Prince Edward Rukidi Kijanangoma has been selected as the new King of Tooro, succeeding the late Omukama Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru Rukidi IV. The selection was announced Wednesday evening at Karuziika Palace by the Babiito royal clan.
A statement from the office of the Omusuuga, the head of the Babiito royal clan, said Prince Edward was selected by a 21-member committee instituted by members of the Babiito clan to oversee the succession process following the death of King Oyo.
The statement was read by Monsignor Isaiah Mayombo at Karuziika Palace. The announcement formally sets in motion the process of installing Prince Edward as the next Omukama of Tooro. Prince Edward currently works as a journalist with Uganda Broadcasting Corporation (UBC).
His selection comes less than two weeks after the death of King Oyo, who died on August 27, 2026, at the age of 34 while receiving treatment in the United States. He had ruled Tooro since September 1995, when he ascended the throne at the age of three.
The late king’s death triggered a succession process within the Babiito royal clan, which traces the lineage of the Tooro monarchy.
The kingdom’s monarchy is a cultural institution without executive political powers, but the Omukama remains an important cultural and social figure for the people of Tooro.
Prince Edward’s selection now places him at the centre of the kingdom’s transition to a new reign, following the 31-year reign of King Oyo.
Further details on the enthronement and the traditional rites preceding the installation of the new Omukama are expected from the Babiito royal clan and the Tooro Kingdom authorities-URN. Give us feedback on this story through our email: kamwokyatimes@gmail.com
