Government Confirms Edward Rukidi Nyabongo I as New Tooro King

KAMPALA — 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 Tooro Kingdom had formally communicated the completion of the customary succession process to the Government.

Prince Edward will be officially known as His Majesty Edward Rukidi Nyabongo I, Omukama w’Obukama Bwa Tooro.

His coronation will be held at Karuziika Palace in Fort Portal City.

“Tooro has a new king,” Kamuli said, describing the coronation as an important moment for the continuity of the Tooro Kingdom and the preservation of its cultural heritage.

The succession process followed the death of King Oyo on August 27.

According to Kamuli, the Babiito Royal Clan, under the leadership of Omusuuga Charles Kayondo Kamurasi Akiiki, selected Prince Edward as successor on September 9 at Karuziika Palace.

He was later presented to and endorsed by the Rukurato Rw’Obukama Bwa Tooro, the kingdom’s Supreme Council, which met 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.

Government Begins Gazette Process

Kamuli said the Government’s role in the recognition of traditional and cultural leaders is guided by Article 246 of the Constitution and the Institution of Traditional or Cultural Leaders Act, 2011.

She said Tooro Kingdom had requested the Ministry of Gender, Labour and Social Development to formally declare and publish Edward Rukidi Nyabongo 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 customary, constitutional and statutory requirements for the transition had therefore been satisfied.

Museveni to Attend Coronation

President Yoweri Museveni will attend the coronation, according to Kamuli.

She said the President had personally informed the people of Tooro that he would honour their invitation to the September 29 ceremony.

The Minister called on the people of Tooro and other Ugandans to approach the event with peace, unity, dignity, respect and cultural harmony.

She also urged all stakeholders to respect the Constitution, national laws and the customs and traditions of the people of Tooro.

Kamuli described the coronation as a major cultural event for Tooro and Uganda, saying it would showcase the kingdom’s heritage and contribute to cultural tourism.

Tribute to King Oyo

Kamuli also paid tribute to the late King Oyo, whose death triggered the succession process.

She said his death had left a deep wound among the people of Tooro and said the Government continued to keep Queen Mother Best Kemigisa and Princess Ruth Komuntale in its prayers.

The Government has also urged the media to provide accurate, responsible and balanced coverage of the coronation and related cultural activities.

The coronation of Edward Rukidi Nyabongo I, the 13th Omukama of Tooro, will take place on Tuesday, September 29, 2026, at Karuziika Palace in Fort Portal City.