Queen Mother Kemigisa Allegedly Moves Cattle From King Oyo’s Farm

A new controversy has emerged within the Tooro royal family following allegations that Queen Mother Best Kemigisa moved a large number of cattle from the late King Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru Rukidi IV’s farm in Bugaaki, Kyenjojo.

According to a report by The Ankole Times, the allegations were made by Irumba, who describes himself as a media mouthpiece for the Tooro Kingdom.

Irumba reportedly claimed that Queen Mother Kemigisa travelled to King Oyo’s demonstration farm on Monday night accompanied by heavy trucks and that the cattle were subsequently transported from the property.

More than 82 cattle allegedly taken

The report claims that more than 82 cows were allegedly removed from the farm.

However, the exact number of animals taken, as well as their ownership, has not been independently established.

The allegations also claim that some of the cattle were among animals previously donated to the late King Oyo by various individuals and organisations, including State Minister for Gender, Labour and Social Development Balaam Barugahara Ateenyi, the Democratic Republic of Congo and other friends and well-wishers.

The report further alleges that the Queen Mother later went to Karuzika Palace, where there was an attempt to move additional cattle described as enkorogi zo’mukama—animals associated with the king.

Allegations emerge after King Oyo’s burial

The claims come only days after the burial of King Oyo, who died in the United States on August 27, 2026, at the age of 34. He was buried at the Karambi Royal Tombs on September 12.

King Oyo became Tooro’s monarch at just three years old in 1995 and remained on the throne for more than three decades. His death has since been followed by a major dispute over his succession.

The Babiito royal clan selected Prince Edward Rukidi Kijanangoma as the new Omukama, while members of King Oyo’s family have challenged the process and maintained that the late monarch allegedly left instructions concerning his successor.

Ownership of King Oyo’s property questioned

The latest allegations have raised questions about the management and ownership of property associated with the late king.

It remains unclear whether the cattle allegedly moved from the farm were personally owned by King Oyo, belonged to the Tooro Kingdom institution, or were held under another arrangement.

There is also no publicly verified inventory establishing the total number of cattle on the farm or identifying the ownership of each animal. The Ankole Times reported that there was no independent confirmation that Queen Mother Kemigisa personally ordered or supervised the alleged removal.

The issue could therefore become part of wider questions surrounding the late king’s estate as the royal family navigates the unresolved succession dispute.

Tooro succession dispute continues

The alleged cattle movement comes at a particularly sensitive time for the kingdom.

International reports have documented disagreements between members of King Oyo’s family and the Babiito clan over who should succeed him. Queen Mother Kemigisa and Princess Ruth Komuntale have questioned the selection of Prince Edward Kijanangoma, while clan elders have proceeded with the traditional succession process.

For now, the allegations concerning the cattle remain unverified claims attributed to Irumba. Further clarification from the Tooro Kingdom, Queen Mother Kemigisa’s representatives or officials handling King Oyo’s estate would be needed to establish what happened at the Bugaaki farm and Karuzika Palace.

The controversy adds another issue to the already complicated transition facing the Tooro Kingdom following the death and burial of King Oyo.