The Babiito Royal Clan has demanded that the reported son of the late Omukama Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru Rukidi IV be presented to the clan for verification before any succession arrangements are made.
The demand comes amid growing controversy over claims that the late King left behind a son who is expected to succeed him, with a section of the Babiito accusing Tooro Kingdom Prime Minister Calvin Armstrong Rwomire and Queen Mother Best Kemigisa of announcing the existence of the purported heir without the clan’s knowledge.
The head of the Babiito Royal Clan, Omusuga Charles Kamurasi, said neither he nor some members of the clan had seen or heard of the alleged heir before the King’s death. Kamurasi challenged Rwomire to present the child to the clan, saying the succession process should follow established Tooro traditions.
He also criticised Rwomire for remaining in Kampala since the King’s death instead of being at the palace to oversee funeral arrangements. Kamurasi further disputed actions allegedly being taken by the Prime Minister, including efforts to have the late King’s body taken to Buziga, saying such initiatives do not represent the position of the royal family or the Babiito clan.
Dan Rubombora, a member of the Babiito clan, warned the Prime Minister against taking actions outside traditional procedures, saying the authority to declare a successor rests with the Omusuga. Rubombora also questioned the circumstances surrounding the reported heir, asking why Queen Mother Best Kemigisa would have asked Oyo’s son to marry during the last coronation anniversary if she was aware of his existence.
The dispute follows statements by Rwomire after the King’s death that Oyo had left a son who would be his heir, with the identity of the child to be formally revealed at an appropriate time in accordance with Tooro traditions. President Yoweri Museveni also said during his eulogy for King Oyo that Queen Mother Kemigisa had informed him that the King had left behind a young son who would continue the royal line.
However, the Babiito clan says the reported heir must first be presented and subjected to the appropriate traditional process before his claim to the throne can be recognised. A palace insider, who requested anonymity, said a 21-member committee constituted by the Babiito clan to oversee the succession process is open to considering all candidates with legitimate royal lineage, including the reported son of King Oyo.
The committee is expected to examine potential heirs and determine whether they meet the requirements before an eventual successor is formally announced. King Oyo died aged 34 in the United States last Thursday, where he had been receiving treatment. He ascended the Tooro throne in 1995 at the age of three following the death of his father, Omukama Patrick Matthew Kaboyo Olimi III-URN. Give us feedback on this story through our email: kamwokyatimes@gmail.com
