Excitement is growing among the people of Tooro following the selection of Prince Edward Rukidi Kijanangoma as the new King of Tooro, with residents hoping his elevation will unite the kingdom and restore stability after the death of King Oyo.
Prince Kijanangoma was announced on Wednesday evening following a selection process conducted by a 21-member committee instituted by members of the Babiito royal clan. The Office of the Omusuga announced his selection at Karuziika Palace in a statement read by Monsignor Isaiah Mayombo.
Prince Kijanangoma is a son of the late Christopher Paul Kijanangoma, who was a son of the late King of Tooro, Sir George Kamurasi Rukiidi III.
The announcement has generated excitement among residents, who say they now look forward to a period of peace, unity and continued development in the kingdom. Julius Lubowa said the selection had given the Babiito royal clan an opportunity to have its voice heard after what he described as years of being overshadowed.
Lubowa said he trusted the outcome of the committee’s deliberations and welcomed the new king, urging him to make peace and unity his priority. He also called on Prince Kijanangoma to continue the development projects initiated by the late King Oyo and ensure the growth and continuity of the kingdom.
Reagan Atuhaire described Prince Edward as suitable for the position, saying his upbringing in Tooro gives him an understanding of the kingdom and its cultural traditions. Atuhaire said the new king also understands and speaks Rutooro, which he believes will help him connect with his subjects and effectively carry out his responsibilities.
Amon Tusingwire also welcomed the development, saying he was happy that the kingdom had finally got a new king. Alex Musinguzi said he had been eagerly waiting for the announcement and was relieved by the selection. Musinguzi said he had been worried by earlier reports that a baby could be considered an heir to the throne, but welcomed the choice of an older person whom he believes can immediately take on the responsibilities of the monarchy.
Aisha Nyakaisiki said the selection allows the kingdom to regain stability and move forward. Nyakaisiki said she had feared that disagreements over succession could trigger power struggles and weaken the kingdom but was pleased that a mature person had been selected.
The selection of Prince Edward comes amid a dispute over the succession to the late King Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru Rukidi IV, who died while receiving treatment in the United States. Before the announcement, Tooro Kingdom Prime Minister Calvin Armstrong Rwomiire said the late king had left behind a son who could inherit the throne.
However, members of the Babiito royal clan said they were not aware of an heir and proceeded to establish the 21-member committee that selected Prince Kijanangoma. The selection has subsequently been challenged by members of King Oyo’s royal family, who have questioned the process and cited the late king’s alleged will.
The Babiito clan, however, has maintained that its traditional process should determine the next monarch. For many residents, the immediate expectation is that the new king will help heal divisions, unite the kingdom, and build on the legacy of the late King Oyo as Tooro begins a new chapter-URN. Give us feedback on this story through our email: kamwokyatimes@gmail.com
