FORT PORTAL — UBC TV news anchor and editor Prince Edward Kijanangoma Rukidi has been named the next King of Tooro Kingdom and is set to succeed the late Omukama Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru Rukidi IV.
The decision was made by the succession committee of the Babiito Clan, which elected Prince Edward Rukidi Kijanangoma to be enthroned as the next Omukama of Tooro.
Prince Edward is the son of the late Prince Christopher Paul Kijanangoma and grandson of the late Omukama Sir George David Rukidi Kamurasi III.
His selection follows the death of Omukama Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru Rukidi IV, who died aged 34.
However, the succession decision has raised questions over provisions contained in the late King Oyo’s 2022 will, which reportedly sets out a specific order of succession to the Tooro throne.
According to the will, Oyo’s son was designated as the first heir and successor to the throne.
The will further provides that if his son is unable to assume the throne, succession would pass to Prince Komwiswa Yoweri, followed by Prince Nyaika Solomon and then Musuga Charles Kamurasi.
The election of Prince Edward by the Babiito succession committee therefore places the clan’s succession decision alongside the provisions contained in the late King’s will.
Prince Edward now becomes the designated successor as Tooro prepares for the traditional rites and formal enthronement of a new Omukama.
The Babiito are the royal clan of Tooro and play a central role in determining succession to the kingdom’s throne in accordance with established cultural traditions.
The transition follows the end of Oyo’s reign, which began in 1995 when he succeeded his father, Omukama Patrick Matthew Kaboyo Olimi III.
