FORT PORTAL, Uganda — The planned coronation of Prince Edward Rukidi Nyabongo I as the new King of Tooro faces a last-minute legal challenge, with applicants asking the High Court in Fort Portal to stop Tuesday’s installation ceremony.
The application was filed on Monday, September 28, by two Batooro, Derick Alitugabira and Juliet Kangume, together with Walezi Wa Katiba, an organisation that advocates for constitutionalism, the rule of law and public accountability.
Through their lawyers, Thomas and Michael Advocates, the applicants are seeking interim orders restraining the coronation scheduled for September 29 at Karuziika Palace.
They want the court to maintain the status quo until a substantive case challenging the selection of Prince Nyabongo is heard and determined.
The dispute centres on an alleged will attributed to the late Omukama Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru Rukidi IV, who died on August 27, 2026.
According to the applicants, the late king’s will identified his son as the preferred successor and provided for a cousin to take over in the event that his son was unavailable. They argue that the process through which Prince Nyabongo was selected did not comply with those wishes.
Former Tooro Queen Mother Best Kemigisa has also been named as a respondent. The applicants refer to statements attributed to her concerning the alleged existence of a son of the late king and want the court to compel her to identify and produce the person they claim is the rightful heir.
The Attorney General is also listed among the respondents.
Walezi Wa Katiba says its involvement is based on its stated mandate of promoting constitutional governance, the rule of law and public accountability. The applicants argue that the succession of the Tooro Kingdom is a matter of public interest.
The court challenge comes just as preparations for the coronation have reached their final stage.
The Tooro Kingdom has maintained the September 29 date, with more than 50,000 people expected to attend the ceremony at Karuziika Palace. President Yoweri Museveni is expected to be the chief guest.
Traditional ceremonies were scheduled to begin Monday night, with Prince Nyabongo expected to leave Rwengoma Palace and proceed towards Karuziika accompanied by thousands of people carrying reed-lit torches.
A traditional mock battle at the Mugabante entrance is expected to symbolise the transfer of authority before the king-designate and members of the royal family proceed into the palace for rituals.
On Tuesday morning, Nyabongo is scheduled to attend a church service at St John’s Cathedral in Fort Portal before returning to Karuziika Palace for the main coronation.
The legal challenge follows earlier controversy surrounding the alleged will. Attorney General Sam Mayanja said last week that the kingdom could proceed with preparations because no formal court challenge had been registered at that time. He also said any dispute concerning the validity of the alleged will could be taken to court.
The latest application therefore comes hours before the planned ceremony, creating a legal uncertainty around an event that has already drawn extensive preparations across Fort Portal.
As of Monday, the High Court had not heard or determined the emergency application. The coronation remained officially scheduled for Tuesday, September 29, pending any orders from the court.
