Government Officially Recognizes Nyabongo I as Tooro's Omukama

The Ugandan government has officially recognized His Highness Edward Rukidi Nyabongo I as the Omukama of Tooro Kingdom. This formal recognition came through a notice signed by the Minister of Gender, Labour and Social Development, Lt. Gen. (Rtd) Henry Tumukunde, and published in the Uganda Gazette on October 16, 2026.

The gazettement confirms Nyabongo’s succession, effective from September 29, the date of his coronation at Karuzika Palace. The notice cites adherence to the “established cultural norms, customs and traditions of Obukama Bwa Tooro” and invokes provisions of the Constitution and the Institution of Traditional or Cultural Leaders Act, 2011.

This development follows weeks of contention surrounding the succession after the passing of the former Omukama, Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru Rukidi IV, in August 2026. Disputes emerged regarding a purported will allegedly made by King Oyo, which reportedly named a biological son as his preferred successor under specific conditions, and also mentioned a cousin, Prince Komwiswa Yoweri.

Members of the royal family, including the Queen Mother Best Kemigisa and Princess Ruth Komuntale, challenged the Babiito clan’s selection of Nyabongo (then Prince Edward Rukidi Kijanangoma), arguing that the will was not adequately considered. The clan, however, stood by its choice.

While the Attorney General initially advised that Oyo’s purported will should guide the succession and its validity be determined by a court, the government later announced its acceptance of the customary succession process. Justice and Constitutional Affairs Minister Norbert Mao emphasized that formal recognition is incomplete until a monarch’s name appears in the national Gazette.

The official gazettement now marks the government’s position that the customary process was satisfied, though it does not explicitly rule on the validity of Oyo’s alleged will or the status of the reported son.

Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/national/govt-gazettes-nyabongo-i-as-omukama-of-tooro-5635766