Tooro Coronation: Why Oyo’s Sisters, Aunt and Queen Mother Missed Edward Nyabongo’s Ceremony

The coronation of Edward Rukidi Nyabongo I as the new Omukama of Tooro Kingdom went ahead on Tuesday despite the absence of several prominent members of the late King Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru Rukidi IV’s family.

Among those who did not attend the ceremony at Karuziika Palace were Princess Ruth Komuntale, the late king’s elder sister; Princess Elizabeth Bagaya, his paternal aunt; and former Queen Mother Best Kemigisa.

Princes Patrick Mpuuga and Solomon Nyaika, sons of Musuuga Charles Kamurasi, were also absent from the coronation.

Their absence came against the backdrop of an unresolved dispute over the succession of King Oyo, who died in August after nearly three decades on the Tooro throne.

Why Oyo’s Family Members Stayed Away

The disagreement centres on the process that led to the selection of Edward Rukidi Kijanangoma, who was later crowned Edward Rukidi Nyabongo I.

On September 9, the 21-member Babiito royal clan succession committee announced Prince Edward Rukidi Kijanangoma as the successor to King Oyo.

However, Princess Ruth Komuntale, Princess Elizabeth Bagaya and former Queen Mother Best Kemigisa publicly questioned the decision.

The three royals maintained that King Oyo had left a Will naming his biological son as his preferred successor. They called for the succession process to be suspended until after the late king’s burial.

The disagreement therefore continued into the coronation, with several members of Oyo’s immediate family choosing not to attend the ceremony.

Who Is Edward Rukidi Nyabongo?

Edward Rukidi Nyabongo is a member of the Babiito royal family and a cousin of the late King Oyo.

He is the son of the late Prince Paul Christopher Kijanangoma, who was an elder brother of Omukama Mathew David Patrick Olimi III, the father of King Oyo.

Nyabongo is also a grandson of the late Omukama Sir George Rukidi III.

His selection followed the decision of the Babiito royal clan succession committee, which was tasked with handling the traditional succession process after King Oyo’s death.

Princes Patrick Mpuuga and Solomon Nyaika Opposed the Selection

The succession disagreement also created divisions among the sons of Musuuga Charles Kamurasi, the head of the Babiito royal clan.

Princes Patrick Mpuuga and Solomon Nyaika opposed their father’s support for Nyabongo’s selection.

The two princes reportedly argued that King Oyo’s Will provided for his biological son to succeed him. They further claimed that the Will identified Prince Yoweri Komwiswa and Solomon Nyaika as possible alternatives if Oyo’s son could not take the throne.

They described Oyo as both a brother and friend and argued that his reported wishes should be considered in determining his successor.

Nyabongo Crowned Despite Succession Dispute

Despite the objections from some members of the royal family, Edward Rukidi Nyabongo was formally installed as Omukama following a church service at St John’s Cathedral and traditional rituals that began on Monday night.

The coronation at Karuziika Palace marked the formal beginning of his reign.

Although some members of King Oyo’s family stayed away, Nyabongo paid tribute to his predecessor during his address to the people of Tooro.

He asked those gathered to observe a minute of silence in honour of King Oyo Nyimba Rukiidi IV, whose death triggered the succession process.

Nyabongo Outlines His Priorities

In his first major address as Omukama, Nyabongo highlighted education and the development of young people as some of his priorities.

He also said he would work with cultural and religious leaders across Uganda as he seeks to advance the interests of Tooro Kingdom.

The new Omukama urged his subjects to work together to develop the kingdom and take it to greater heights.

His message appeared focused on the future of Tooro as the kingdom seeks to move forward following weeks of disagreement surrounding the succession.

The coronation therefore marked both the beginning of Nyabongo’s reign and another significant chapter in the ongoing debate surrounding the transition from King Oyo.