Tooro Kingdom faces succession dispute after death of King Oyo

The Tooro Kingdom in Uganda is facing a significant succession crisis following the death of King Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru Rukidi IV. The late monarch, who reigned for over three decades after becoming king at age three, died on August 27 in the United States while receiving cancer treatment.

Following the king's burial on September 12, the Babiito royal clan announced that Edward Rukidi Kijanangoma, a cousin of the late king, has assumed the throne as His Majesty Edward Rukidi Nyabongo I. This decision was made by a 21-member succession committee, a move supported by Uganda’s Chief of Defence Forces, Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba, and President Yoweri Museveni, who has provided the new monarch with official vehicles and security personnel.

However, the succession is heavily contested. Members of the late king’s immediate family claim a 2022 will exists that names a biological son as the rightful heir. The Babiito royal clan has rejected legal advice from the Attorney General regarding the validity of such a will, arguing the advice was not addressed to the clan. The dispute has moved into the legal sphere, with the government noting it will not formally gazette the new king while the succession remains contested.