Politics 9 September 2026 Daily Monitor (Uganda)
Queen Mother Disputes Tooro Succession, Cites Unreleased Will
Queen Mother Best Kemigisa has challenged the announced successor for the Tooro Kingdom throne, asserting that a will left by the late King Oyo designates his successor. She has called for the succession dispute to be postponed until after Oyo's burial. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/national/queen-mother-challenges-tooro-succession-decision-calls-for-oyo-s-burial-first-5589890
The succession process for the Tooro Kingdom has become a point of contention following the announcement of Prince Edward Kijanangoma Rukidi as the next king. Queen Mother Best Kemigisa has openly challenged this decision, stating that the late King Oyo left a will that names his successor.
Kemigisa expressed that her family is currently under “house arrest” as security forces have been deployed around the palace, and royal guards removed prior to King Oyo’s burial, scheduled for September 12, 2026. She has appealed to President Museveni and the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) leadership to allow the royal family the freedom to mourn and receive mourners without restriction.
According to Kemigisa, the will was read on Wednesday at the palace in the presence of royal family members and government officials, including Minister of Gender, Maj Gen Henry Tumukunde, who represented President Museveni. She claims the will clearly outlined the succession order, and attendees agreed to reconvene the following day.
However, Kemigisa stated that a faction of clan members proceeded to hold a press conference and announced their choice of king, disregarding the will and the earlier meeting. She criticized the timing of this announcement, which occurred while King Oyo’s body was still at the palace. King Oyo passed away on August 27, 2026, after a battle with cancer, having reigned for 31 years.
Kemigisa urged all parties involved in the succession dispute to set aside their differences until after King Oyo’s burial, emphasizing the need for a dignified farewell for the late monarch. She acknowledged President Museveni’s role in facilitating the return of Oyo’s body and the UPDF’s efforts in preparing the royal burial site.