The Government has formally recognised Prince Edward Rukidi Kijanangoma as the successor to the late King Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru Rukidi IV, paving the way for his coronation as the 13th Omukama of Tooro on September 29, 2026.
Minister of State for Gender and Cultural Affairs, Mary Kuteesa Kamuli, announced the development on Thursday at the Uganda Media Centre, saying the Government had received official communication from Tooro Kingdom confirming the completion of the succession process.
Kamuli said the coronation of His Majesty Edward Rukidi Nyaboongo I will be held at Karuziika Palace in Fort Portal City.
“Tooro has a new king,” Kamuli said, adding that the coronation will mark the continuity of the Obukama Bwa Tooro and provide an opportunity to celebrate the kingdom’s cultural heritage and traditions.
She said the succession process followed the established customs and practices of Tooro’s traditional institutions after the death of King Oyo on August 27.
According to the Minister, the Babiito Clan, under the leadership of Omusuuga Charles Kayondo Kamurasi Akiiki, selected Prince Edward Rukidi Kijanangoma on September 9 at Karuziika Palace.
The prince was subsequently presented to and endorsed by the Rukurato Rw’Obukama Bwa Tooro, the kingdom’s Supreme Council, which convened at Rukurato Chambers in Muchwa on September 15.
“The Government has received the resolutions of the Succession Committee and the Rukurato in support of the succession process,” Kamuli said.
She said following the process, Prince Edward was formally affirmed as successor and assumed the official name and title of Edward Rukidi Nyaboongo I, Omukama w’Obukama Bwa Tooro.
Government begins Gazette process
Kamuli said the Government’s role in the succession is guided by Article 246 of the Constitution, which recognises traditional and cultural leaders in accordance with the cultures, customs and traditions of the communities concerned.
She said the process is also governed by the Institution of Traditional or Cultural Leaders Act, 2011.
According to Kamuli, Tooro Kingdom has formally requested the Ministry of Gender, Labour and Social Development, which is responsible for cultural institutions, to declare and publish Edward Rukidi Nyaboongo I as Omukama of Tooro in the Uganda Gazette.
“The Ministry is accordingly processing the Gazette in accordance with the law,” she said.
Kamuli said the Government therefore considers the customary, constitutional and statutory process for the transition and formal recognition of the new Omukama to have been satisfied.
Museveni to attend coronation
President Yoweri Museveni will attend the coronation, Kamuli said.
She said the President had personally informed the people of Tooro that he would honour their invitation to the ceremony.
The Minister described the coronation as an important cultural event for Tooro and Uganda, saying it would showcase the kingdom’s heritage and contribute to cultural tourism.
She called on the people of Tooro and other Ugandans to approach the event with “peace, unity, dignity, respect and cultural harmony.”
Kamuli also urged all stakeholders to respect the Constitution, national laws and the customs and traditions of the people of Tooro.
“I call upon all stakeholders to fully participate and work together to ensure that the coronation is conducted peacefully, respectfully and in accordance with the Constitution, the Institution of Traditional or Cultural Leaders Act, 2011, and the customs and traditions of the people of Tooro,” she said.
The Minister also called on the media to provide accurate, responsible and balanced coverage of the coronation and related cultural activities.
Kamuli, who is from Tooro, also paid tribute to the late King Oyo, saying his death had left a deep wound among the people of the kingdom.
She said the Government continues to keep the Queen Mother, Best Kemigisa, and Princess Ruth Komuntale in its prayers.
The coronation of Edward Rukidi Nyaboongo I is scheduled for Tuesday, September 29, 2026, at Karuziika Palace in Fort Portal City.
