Tooro Coronation: Why Oyo’s Sisters, Aunt and Queen Mother Skipped Edward Nyabongo’s Coronation

The coronation of Edward Rukidi Nyabongo I as the new Omukama of Tooro Kingdom went ahead on Tuesday without several prominent members of the immediate family of the late King Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru Rukidi IV, who had opposed his selection as successor.

Among those absent from the ceremony at Karuziika Palace were Princess Ruth Komuntale, Oyo’s elder sister; Princess Elizabeth Bagaya, their paternal aunt; and former Queen Mother Best Kemigisa.

Princes Patrick Mpuuga and Solomon Nyaika, sons of Musuuga Charles Kamurasi, were also missing from the event, highlighting divisions within the royal family following Oyo’s death in August.

The absence of the prominent royals came amid an unresolved succession dispute over whether Nyabongo should have been selected to occupy the throne or whether Oyo’s reported Will naming his biological son should guide the transition. Nyabongo belongs to the Babiito royal family and is a cousin of the late king. He is the son of the late Prince Paul Christopher Kijanangoma, an elder brother of Omukama Mathew David Patrick Olimi III, Oyo’s father.

He is also a grandson of Omukama Sir George Rukidi III.

On September 9, the 21-member Babiito royal clan succession committee announced Prince Edward Rukidi Kijanangoma as Oyo’s successor. He was subsequently crowned Edward Rukidi Nyabongo I.

However, the decision was publicly challenged by Kemigisa, Komuntale and Bagaya, who maintained that Oyo had left a Will naming his biological son as his preferred successor.

Visit UHRC Sponsored The three royals questioned the succession process and called for it to be suspended until after Oyo’s burial.

The dispute also exposed disagreements among the sons of Musuuga Charles Kamurasi, with Patrick Mpuuga and Solomon Nyaika opposing their father’s support for Nyabongo’s selection.

The two princes said Oyo’s Will provided for his biological son to succeed him and reportedly identified Prince Yoweri Komwiswa and Nyaika as alternatives if the son could not assume the throne.

They described Oyo as their brother and friend, arguing that his wishes should be respected in determining the kingdom’s next leader.

Despite the objections, Nyabongo was formally installed as Omukama following a church service at St John’s Cathedral and a series of traditional rituals that began on Monday night.

Although several members of the late king’s family stayed away, Nyabongo acknowledged his predecessor during his address to the people of Tooro.

The new Omukama asked the gathering to observe a minute of silence in honour of his cousin, King Oyo Nyimba Rukiidi IV, whose death triggered the succession process.

Nyabongo also outlined his priorities, signalling his intention to support education for young people in Tooro and work with cultural and religious leaders across Uganda.

He urged his subjects to join him in developing the kingdom and taking it to greater heights, seeking to shift attention towards the future after weeks of disagreements over the succession.

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