Politics 14 September 2026 The Observer (Uganda)
Tooro's Babiito Clan Rejects Attorney General's Succession Advice
The Babiito royal clan of Tooro has dismissed legal advice from the Attorney General regarding the succession of the late King Oyo Nyimba. They argue the advice was directed to President Museveni, not the clan, and therefore does not bind them. Source: https://observer.ug/news/babiito-reject-attorney-generals-legal-advice-on-tooro-succession
The Babiito royal clan, the custodians of Tooro’s royal lineage, have publicly rejected a legal opinion issued by the Attorney General, Dr. Sam Mayanja. The opinion, addressed to President Yoweri Museveni, concerns the succession of the late King Oyo Nyimba, who passed away on August 27th.
Clan spokesperson, Fr. Charles Oyo, stated that the clan is not obligated to follow the Attorney General’s advice as it was not directly communicated to them. “Since it was written to the President and he is the one who sought that opinion, it’s incumbent upon him to administer that legal opinion,” Fr. Oyo explained. He suggested the President could use the advice to guide his decision-making on the unfolding succession dispute.
The Attorney General’s legal opinion also questioned the authority of the 21-member Babiito committee tasked with selecting Oyo’s successor, citing constitutional provisions that recognize traditional leaders based on local customs. However, Fr. Oyo asserted that the Babiito clan sees no dispute within their ranks and considers their 21-member committee as the legitimate body established by Tooro’s customs to manage the succession.
This committee has already named Prince Edward Rukidi Kijanangoma as King Oyo’s successor. This selection has been contested by some members of the royal family, including Queen Mother Best Kemigisa, who reportedly favour a son of the late King as per his alleged will.
Fr. Oyo expressed uncertainty regarding the existence and whereabouts of the King’s alleged son mentioned in the purported will. The clan also ruled out alternative heirs named in the will due to cultural traditions preventing a king from having a living father, which disqualifies them as their father is still alive. The clan expected the alleged son to be presented during the burial rituals, which did not occur.
Traditional burial rituals for the King, including the symbolic throwing of coffee beans by the successor, were performed at the Karambi Royal Tombs.
Source: The Observer (Uganda)