Politics 10 September 2026 The Observer (Uganda)
Tooro Queen Mother Rejects King-Elect Kijanangoma Amid Succession Dispute
Tooro Queen Mother Best Kemigisa has denounced the selection of Prince Edward Rukidi Kijanangoma as the new king, citing disregard for the late King Oyo's purported will and a prior agreement to postpone succession discussions until after his burial. Several other royal family members have also voiced opposition to Kijanangoma's appointment. Source: https://observer.ug/news/tooro-queen-mother-denounces-king-elect-kijanangoma
Queen Mother Best Kemigisa has publicly rejected the recent selection of Prince Edward Rukidi Kijanangoma as the King-elect of Tooro. She alleges that the 21-member succession committee ignored the purported will of the late King Oyo and an earlier agreement to halt succession proceedings until after his burial.
Kemigisa stated that King Oyo’s will, read in the presence of royal family members and government officials, appointed a son as heir if one was lawfully recognized. Following the will’s reading, an agreement was made to reconvene and discuss succession the next day. Kemigisa expressed disappointment that, while King Oyo’s body was still lying in state, the committee announced Kijanangoma’s selection, deeming the timing inappropriate.
She appealed for a suspension of the throne dispute, emphasizing that mourning and providing King Oyo with a dignified burial should be the immediate priority. Kemigisa also requested the intervention of the UPDF, President Museveni, and other authorities to allow the royal family to grieve peacefully.
Further complicating the situation, Kemigisa claimed that royal guards at Karuziika Palace were replaced by UPDF soldiers, restricting mourners’ access. She also stated she was not consulted or involved in the succession process.
Princess Ruth Komuntale Nsemere, King Oyo’s sister, has also rejected Kijanangoma’s selection, aligning with her aunts, Princesses Elizabeth Bagaya and Margaret Komubaizi. Komuntale indicated that consensus had not been reached with key members of the Babiito clan, including clan leader Charles Kamurasi.
The Babiito clan, however, has defended Kijanangoma’s selection, asserting that traditional processes must dictate the next monarch. Clan spokesperson Moses Musinguzi clarified that even the existence of a son does not automatically guarantee the throne, emphasizing the importance of Babiito traditions and the will of the Tooro people.
This escalating dispute over succession has intensified as the Tooro Kingdom prepares to bury King Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru Rukidi IV at the Karambi Royal Tombs. King Oyo passed away in the United States while undergoing treatment.