English footballer declines throne of Uganda's Tooro Kingdom

George Desmond Kamurasi, a 36-year-old goalkeeper and captain for SE Dons FC in the English ninth tier, has declined the throne of the Tooro Kingdom in Uganda.

Following the death of King Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru Rukidi IV, a 21-member Royal Succession Committee selected Kamurasi as the successor. Out of 18 participants in the decision-making process, 15 supported his ascension. Kamurasi is a cousin of the late King Oyo and the grandson of King George David Matthew Kamurasi Rukidi III.

Kamurasi reportedly refused the position to maintain his current life in London, where he lives with his family, plays football, and works as a coach. While the Tooro Kingdom is a traditional institution without formal state political power in the Republic of Uganda, it maintains significant cultural and social influence. Following his refusal, the committee turned toward Prince Edward Rukidi Kijanangoma, a journalist, though his selection has faced challenges from the late King's immediate family.