Prince Edward Rukidi Kijanangoma, a former anchor for Uganda’s state broadcaster, is set to become the next king of the country’s Tooro kingdom, a move that has ignited a sharp succession dispute.
The 56‑year‑old was chosen by a 21‑member committee from the Babiito clan after the death of King Oyo, who had reigned since 1995. King Oyo, who was raised as a child monarch, allegedly left a will that named his only son – a boy who has never been publicly identified – to inherit the throne. The committee, however, declared that the son had not been presented and therefore accepted Kijanangoma, a cousin and a descendant of the former king Rukidi III.
Queen Best Kemigisa, the late king’s mother, has criticised the decision, calling it an “announcement of a second king” that ignores her husband’s wishes. She has taken to social media to express her sorrow and to signpost that the boy could never travel back to Uganda under the current tensions, claiming the country is too divided to receive him safely.
The Ugandan government, led by President Yoweri Museveni, has cleared the coronation and declared that no legal challenge has been lodged. High‑ranking military officials and members of the royal court have publicly expressed support for the newly chosen monarch, urging unity in the kingdom.
Kijanangoma promises to keep the palace open to the public, pledging to use his network of contacts built over a twenty‑year career in journalism to bring development and goodwill to the people of Tooro. He has called for collaboration between the monarchy and his subjects, saying that his role is to serve rather than to rule alone.
The coronation is scheduled for later this month. The ceremony will include traditional rites such as a mock battle, blessings from clan elders and the crowning with a ceremonial crown. The event is expected to attract both local supporters and critics of the decision, as the political and cultural implications of the succession dispute reverberate across Uganda.
