SFC Commandos Reportedly Take Over Security for Tooro King Edward Nyabongo Ahead of September 29 Coronation

Fort Portal, Uganda — Security around Tooro’s King-designate, Omukama Edward Rukidi Nyabongo I, has reportedly been heightened ahead of his planned coronation on September 29, 2026, with reports indicating that members of the Special Forces Command (SFC) have taken over aspects of his security.

The reported deployment comes as preparations intensify for the formal enthronement of Prince Edward Rukidi Kijanangoma Nyabongo I as the new Omukama of Tooro Kingdom.

The Babiito Royal Clan and Tooro Kingdom Supreme Council have endorsed Nyabongo I as the successor to the late King Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru Rukidi IV. The coronation is scheduled to take place at Karuziika Royal Palace in Fort Portal on September 29.

Security Tightened Ahead of Coronation

Reports indicate that SFC personnel have been deployed to strengthen security around the king-designate as preparations for the coronation enter a critical phase.

The reported security changes come at a time when the succession of the late King Oyo remains a closely watched issue in Tooro, following disagreements within the royal family over who should inherit the throne.

At Karuziika Palace, armed UPDF personnel have already been maintaining a security presence, with visitors reportedly required to register and undergo checks before accessing the palace.

The reported involvement of elite security personnel is expected to add another layer of protection around the incoming monarch as Fort Portal prepares to host the coronation.

September 29 Coronation Confirmed

The coronation date was announced after the Tooro Kingdom Supreme Council endorsed the Babiito Royal Clan’s selection of Prince Edward Rukidi Kijanangoma.

Babiito Royal Clan head Omujwera Musuuga Charles Kamurasi said preparations for the ceremony would begin immediately, including the formation of committees responsible for organising the historic event.

The ceremony is expected to involve several traditional rituals. According to reports, the king-designate will pass through the Mugabate, or royal parlour, where traditional rites including a mock battle will be performed before he is formally taken into the palace and presented to the royal throne.

Nyabongo Succeeds Late King Oyo

Prince Edward Rukidi Nyabongo I was selected to succeed King Oyo following the latter’s death on August 27, 2026.

Nyabongo is a cousin of the late king and a son of the late Prince Christopher Paul Kijanangoma. He previously worked as a journalist, news anchor and editor at Uganda Broadcasting Corporation (UBC).

The Babiito Royal Clan says the selection followed the traditional succession process of the kingdom.

The Tooro Kingdom Supreme Council subsequently endorsed the decision, paving the way for preparations for the September 29 coronation.

Succession Dispute Still Hangs Over Coronation

Despite the preparations, the succession of King Oyo has remained contentious.

Members of the late king’s immediate family, including Queen Mother Best Kemigisa and Princess Ruth Komuntale, have previously disputed the selection of Nyabongo. They have maintained that King Oyo left a will naming his biological son as heir.

The Babiito Royal Clan has rejected that position and maintained that the succession process followed Tooro customs and traditions.

The government has also taken an interest in the succession process, with President Yoweri Museveni previously seeking legal guidance concerning the transition.

Babiito leaders have said they have not received any communication preventing them from continuing with preparations for the September 29 coronation.

Focus Turns to September 29

With the coronation date now set, attention has shifted to preparations at Karuziika Palace and the security arrangements surrounding the event.

If the ceremony proceeds as planned, September 29 will mark the formal beginning of Edward Rukidi Nyabongo I’s reign as Omukama of Tooro.

The reported deployment of SFC personnel comes as the kingdom prepares for a major cultural event expected to attract royal family members, clan leaders, government officials, religious leaders and members of the public.

As preparations continue, the security situation and the unresolved succession questions are likely to remain among the key issues surrounding the coronation.