Speaking to journalists at Karuzika Palace in Fort Portal on Thursday afternoon, Nyaika and his brother Mpuuga said they were disappointed in their father for supporting a succession process that in their view disregarded the late king’s wishes.
Mpuuga said the family had been informed about the will and had agreed to find a way forward only to be surprised when members of the Babiito clan announced a different successor.
Nyaika accused some members of the Babiito clan of influencing their father and attempting to undermine the legacy of the late king.
He alleged that some of those involved in the succession process were motivated by interests in the kingdom’s property and were opposed to people from certain tribes within Tooro.
The two brothers also revealed that King Oyo had relieved their father of his duties as Musuuga following his 30th coronation anniversary celebrations last year.
They said Oyo had subsequently appointed Mpuuga to take over as Musuuga.
On Wednesday evening, a 21-member committee constituted by the Babiito royal clan announced Prince Edward Rukidi Kijanangoma as the new Omukama following the death of King Oyo.
However, the decision was immediately rejected by some members of the royal family led by Princess Ruth Komuntale Nsemere and Princess Elizabeth Bagaya, who said the late king had left a will outlining his succession plan.
The family members said the will provides for Oyo’s son to succeed him and names Yoweri Komwiswa and Solomon Nyaika, both sons of Musuuga Kamurasi, as possible successors if Oyo’s son is incapacitated.
Despite their opposition to the selection of Kijanangoma, the two brothers called for peace and unity among the people of Tooro, saying the succession dispute should be resolved without causing division in the kingdom.
However, Moses Musinguzi, spokesperson for the Babiito clan, said the traditional process to install Kijanangoma will proceed. Musinguzi says that the decision to select and announce the new king was guided by the traditions of the kingdom-URN. Give us feedback on this story through our email: kamwokyatimes@gmail.com
