Uganda’s Tooro Kingdom has enthroned former television news anchor Edward Rukidi Kijanangoma as its 13th monarch, bringing a succession dispute to a new stage.
Kijanangoma, 56, was selected by a 21-member committee of the royal Babiito clan following the death of King Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru Rukidi IV in August. He has taken the royal name Edward Rukidi Nyabongo I.
The succession followed disagreement within the late king’s family. Oyo Nyimba’s mother and sister maintain that he left behind a young son who was named as heir in a will. The Babiito clan, however, says it was unaware of the alleged child and followed established Tooro customs in selecting a successor.
Nyabongo previously worked as a news anchor and editor with Uganda Broadcasting Corporation. His coronation in Fort Portal included traditional rituals and a mock battle for the crown.
The Tooro monarchy has no formal political authority under Uganda’s constitutional system, but it remains an important institution for the cultural identity and heritage of the Batooro people.
The coronation comes as questions surrounding the disputed succession continue to attract attention, with legal challenges also reported ahead of the ceremony.
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