FORT PORTAL — Rebecca Amoding-Rukidi has stepped into the public spotlight as the new Queen of Tooro, alongside her husband, His Majesty Edward Rukidi Nyabongo I, who was enthroned as the kingdom’s new Omukama on Tuesday.
A human resources and organisational development professional from the Teso sub-region, Amoding was presented publicly alongside the new King during a church service at St John’s Cathedral in Fort Portal ahead of his coronation at Karuziika Palace.
Her appearance marks her transition from a corporate professional into a prominent role within one of Uganda’s traditional institutions.
Amoding works as a Human Resource Manager at Vivo Energy Uganda. Her professional career has also included work with the World Food Programme, Unilever, Britania Allied Industries, Case Medical Centres and SAS Clinics. She holds a master’s degree in management studies specialising in human resource management, as well as a postgraduate diploma and a Bachelor of Arts degree in Education.
Her marriage to Edward Rukidi Kijanangoma, now King Edward Rukidi Nyabongo I, brought her into the Tooro royal family.
The couple’s public appearance on Tuesday came as Tooro formally transitioned from the reign of the late Omukama Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru Rukidi IV, who died on August 27, to the new reign of Nyabongo I.
From Teso to the Tooro royal household
Amoding’s background has attracted particular attention because she is from Teso rather than Tooro.
The Babiito Clan spokesman, Rev. Fr. Dr Charles Oyo, previously clarified that her background does not prevent her from occupying the position of queen.
“She will be like any other wife of the king,” Oyo said, while explaining that the cultural requirements for succession to the Tooro throne are a separate matter.
Oyo said traditional succession rules require an heir to be born to a mother belonging to one of the recognised Tooro clans.
The distinction has become relevant because of questions surrounding the future succession of any children born to the new King and Queen. Oyo said Amoding’s position as queen should not be confused with the separate traditional rules governing eligibility to inherit the throne.
A royal role begins
At St John’s Cathedral on Tuesday, Bishop of Ruwenzori Diocese Rt Rev Reuben Kisembo welcomed Amoding into the kingdom and called on the people of Tooro to embrace her.
“As church leaders, we welcome her to Tooro, and we shall support her in all her projects,” Kisembo said.
The Bishop also addressed the King on marriage, urging him to maintain the vows he made in church with Amoding.
“Our King is a Christian King, and I am advising you that you already have a wife and you made vows in church. I want you to keep that vow,” Kisembo said.
Amoding now assumes a public role alongside the King as the new royal household takes shape.
Her emergence comes at a significant moment for Tooro, following the death of Oyo, who had been Omukama since his enthronement as a child in 1995. Nyabongo I was selected by the Babiito Royal Clan and subsequently endorsed through the kingdom’s traditional structures.
On Tuesday, Nyabongo I formally assumed the royal name Edward Rukidi Nyabongo I during ceremonies at Karuziika Palace, attended by President Yoweri Museveni.
For Amoding, the coronation marks the beginning of a new public chapter — from a career in human resources to life beside the Omukama as Queen of Tooro.
Her Teso roots also give the new royal household a cross-cultural dimension, as she takes her place within the traditions and public life of the Tooro Kingdom.
