Tooro Kingdom Says Karuziika Palace Keys Are Missing as Edward Kijanangoma Is Declared Crown Prince
The Tooro Kingdom has announced that the keys to Karuziika Palace, the official residence of the Omukama of Tooro, are missing, adding a new development to the kingdom’s ongoing succession dispute.
The revelation was made on September 15, 2026, by Omusuuga Charles Kamurasi, head of the Babiito Royal Clan, during a sitting of the Orukurato, the Tooro Kingdom’s Supreme Council, at Muchwa Headquarters in Fort Portal City.
During the same sitting, Kamurasi formally declared Prince Edward Rukidi Kijanangoma before the Orukurato, paving the way for the Babiito Royal Clan to begin preparations for his coronation.
Karuziika Palace keys reportedly missing
According to the announcement, the keys to Karuziika Palace, traditionally associated with the office and residence of the Tooro monarch, could not be accounted for.
The revelation comes as the kingdom prepares for a transition following the death of King Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru Rukidi IV.
The palace has traditionally served as an important symbol of the Omukama’s authority and the seat of the Tooro monarchy.
It was not immediately clear who last had possession of the keys or when they went missing.
Edward Kijanangoma formally declared
Kamurasi also formally presented Edward Rukidi Kijanangoma before the Orukurato, following his selection by the Babiito Royal Clan as the next Omukama.
Edward, a former UBC television journalist and cousin of the late King Oyo, was selected by the Babiito clan following Oyo’s death.
His formal declaration before the Orukurato is expected to allow the traditional authorities to move ahead with preparations for his coronation.
Tooro succession remains contested
The latest development comes amid an unresolved dispute over the succession to the Tooro throne.
King Oyo died in August 2026 after a prolonged battle with cancer, ending a reign that began when he was a child.
Following his death, the Babiito Royal Clan selected Edward Kijanangoma as his successor.
However, some members of the royal family have questioned the process used to select the new king.
Princess Ruth Komuntale has been among those who have challenged aspects of the succession process, meaning the declaration of Edward does not necessarily bring the disagreement to an end.
The succession controversy has also involved questions surrounding the late King Oyo’s reported children and claims about who should have a role in determining his successor.
Coronation preparations expected to begin
With Edward now formally declared before the Orukurato, the Babiito Royal Clan is expected to proceed with preparations for his installation as the next Omukama of Tooro.
The process is likely to attract significant attention as the kingdom seeks to navigate the competing positions surrounding the succession.
The dispute has also drawn national attention, with cultural leaders, government officials and members of the royal family calling for the matter to be handled through peaceful and lawful processes.
For now, the question of the missing Karuziika Palace keys adds another unusual chapter to the transition following King Oyo’s death.
