The Government of Uganda has formally recognised Prince Edward Rukidi Kijanangoma as the new Omukama of Tooro, ending weeks of uncertainty over the succession to the late King Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru Rukidi IV.
State Minister for Gender and Culture Affairs Mary Kuteesa Kamuli on Thursday announced that the coronation of His Majesty Edward Rukidi Nyaboongo I, the 13th Omukama of Tooro, will take place on Tuesday, September 29, 2026, at Karuziika Palace in Fort Portal City.
The announcement was made at the Uganda Media Centre in Kampala during a press briefing on the planned coronation.
The Government said Tooro Kingdom had officially communicated the outcome of its succession process, paving the way for the coronation.
According to Minister Kamuli, the succession process followed the recognised traditional institutions, customs and established practices governing the Tooro throne following the death of Omukama Oyo on August 27, 2026.
Babiito select Kijanangoma
The Government statement says the Babiito Clan, under the leadership of Omusuuga Charles Kayondo Kamurasi Akiiki, selected Prince Edward Rukidi Kijanangoma on September 9, 2026, at Karuziika Palace.
The prince was subsequently presented to and endorsed by the Rukurato Rw’Obukama Bwa Tooro, the Supreme Council of the Kingdom, which convened at Rukurato Chambers in Muchwa on September 15.
Government said it had received resolutions from both the Succession Committee and the Rukurato supporting the process.
“Following the completion of the succession process, Prince Edward Rukidi Kijanangoma was formally affirmed as the successor to the Obukama Bwa Tooro,” Minister Kamuli said.
He subsequently assumed the official name and title His Majesty Edward Rukidi Nyaboongo I, Omukama w’Obukama Bwa Tooro.
Government invokes Constitution
The Government also invoked Article 246 of the Constitution, which provides for the recognition of traditional and cultural leaders in accordance with the cultures, customs and traditions of the communities concerned.
Minister Kamuli said the constitutional framework is complemented by the Institution of Traditional or Cultural Leaders Act, 2011, which provides for the establishment, recognition and functioning of traditional and cultural institutions and their leaders.
She said the Tooro Kingdom has requested the Ministry of Gender, Labour and Social Development to formally declare and publish Edward Rukidi Nyaboongo I as Omukama of Tooro in the Uganda Gazette, in accordance with Section 5 of the Act.
“The Ministry is accordingly processing the Gazette in accordance with the law,” she said.
Government therefore considers the customary, constitutional and statutory process for the transition and formal recognition of the new Omukama to have been satisfied.
Coronation set for Karuziika Palace
The September 29 coronation is expected to draw members of the Tooro cultural institutions, invited guests and other Ugandans to Karuziika Palace.
Government described the ceremony as an important cultural event that will mark the continuity of the Obukama Bwa Tooro and the assumption of cultural leadership by Edward Rukidi Nyaboongo I.
Minister Kamuli called on the people of Tooro and other stakeholders to approach the event with “peace, unity, dignity, respect and cultural harmony.”
She further urged stakeholders to uphold the Constitution, Ugandan law and the customs and traditions of the people of Tooro.
Museveni to attend
President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni is also expected at the coronation.
According to the minister, Museveni has personally informed the people of Tooro that he will honour their invitation and attend the ceremony.
The Government also congratulated the people of Tooro and wished the new Omukama well as he assumes the responsibilities of cultural leadership.
The minister urged Edward Rukidi Nyaboongo I and the Kingdom institutions to promote Tooro’s cultural heritage, unity, dignity and social development within the framework of Uganda’s Constitution and laws.
The announcement comes after a period of competing claims and controversy surrounding the succession following Omukama Oyo’s death. The Government’s latest statement now places its official recognition behind Edward Rukidi Nyaboongo I and the September 29 coronation.
