Tooro King-Elect's Brother, Prince David Kijanangoma, Passes Away

Tooro Kingdom has lost another royal figure with the passing of Prince David Kijanangoma Araali. The prince died on Tuesday at the Uganda Cancer Institute in Mulago, where he had been undergoing treatment for advanced throat cancer.

His death was confirmed by Vincent Mugume, the spokesperson for Tooro Kingdom. Prince Kijanangoma had been battling the illness for over a year, with his family appealing for financial assistance earlier this year to facilitate specialized treatment abroad.

Prince Kijanangoma’s passing comes at a challenging time for the Tooro royal family. He was the elder brother of Prince Edward Kijanangoma Amooti, who was recently selected as the new Omukama of Tooro following the death of King Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru Rukidi IV. The kingdom is still in mourning and dealing with internal succession disputes.

Beyond his familial ties, Prince Kijanangoma was a notable and sometimes controversial figure. In 2015, he openly criticized King Oyo’s leadership and even declared himself king, initiating a succession dispute within the family. He was a grandson of former King Sir George David Rukidi III and a cousin to the late King Oyo.

The Kijanangoma family has experienced significant loss in the past, including the death of Prince Charles Happy Kijanangoma in 1999. Details regarding Prince David Kijanangoma’s burial arrangements are expected to be released by his family and the kingdom’s authorities soon.

Source: The Observer (Uganda)