FORT PORTAL — Tooro subjects and well-wishers have gifted the kingdom’s Omusuuga, Charles Kamurasi, a brand-new Toyota Land Cruiser TX valued at Shs180 million, days before the planned coronation of Prince Edward Rukidi Kijanangoma.
The white vehicle, bearing the customised registration number MUSUUGA 001, was handed over to Kamurasi at Karuziika Palace on Saturday in recognition of his role in guiding the Babiito royal clan through the kingdom’s transition following the death of King Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru Rukidi IV.
The fundraising campaign was launched by Batooro and friends of Tooro in Uganda and the diaspora, with an initial target of Shs500 million. Former National Forestry Authority executive director Michael Mugisa, who led the delegation that delivered the vehicle, said part of the funds had been used to purchase the car to ease Kamurasi’s work.
Mugisa said the vehicle was a personal gift to Kamurasi, rather than an asset of the Tooro Kingdom or the office of the Omusuuga.
Kamurasi, who heads the Babiito royal clan, has been a central figure in the succession process following Oyo’s death. The Babiito clan selected Prince Edward Rukidi Kijanangoma as the proposed successor, with the prince subsequently taking the name Edward Rukidi Nyabongo I.
The succession process has, however, faced opposition from members of the late king’s immediate family, including Queen Mother Best Kemigisa and Princess Ruth Komuntale, who have maintained that Oyo left an heir. Kamurasi has said he was not aware of a written will or surviving child when the clan carried out its succession mandate.
Separately, Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba, the Chief of Defence Forces, said he had contributed Shs100 million towards the coronation.
In a post on X, Muhoozi said his Military Assistant, Col. Muwumba, had delivered the money on his behalf to the Omusuuga, describing it as his contribution to the coronation of the new king.
The contribution comes as Tooro prepares for the September 29 coronation of Prince Edward Rukidi Kijanangoma at Karuziika Palace.
The vehicle handover was attended by members of the fundraising team and other supporters, with Kamurasi expressing appreciation for the gesture.
The Shs180 million vehicle and Muhoozi’s Shs100 million contribution come as the kingdom prepares for the next phase of the transition following Oyo’s death in August.
