Tooro Succession & Dispute: from Rukidi IV to Nyabongo I

The Western Ugandan Kingdom of Tooro came face to face with a succession dispute last month, while mourning its long-reigned, young King. Omukama (King) Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru Rukidi IV died on 27 August 2026 aged 34, after a period of treatment in the US. The late Monarch, who had succeeded his father at the age of 3 in 1995, was reported to have left an undisclosed child & heir, poised to succeed him. However, according to the traditional Kingdom's customs, a 21-member succession committee, led by the Head of the dynastic Babiito royal clan, was established to select the new Monarch on September 4, ahead of the late king's burial rites on September 12. Their eventual choice, Prince Rukidi Edward Kijanangoma, a Ugandan news broadcaster & King Oyo's cousin, was rejected by the Queen Mother & other relatives of the late king, creating a bitter dispute within the royal family during the nine-day period of mourning. Kijanangoma's was proclaimed Omukama Rukidi Edward Nyabongo I on September 12; his Coronation held on 29 September, 2026. Uganda's traditional Kingdoms are not Sovereign, but the Monarchs are regarded as symbols of unity & cultural continuity.

The death of His Majesty, the Omukama of Tooro, King Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru Rukidi IV was announced in the early morning of Friday, 28 August 2026. It was made by the Prime Minister of Tooro Kingdom, Calvin Armstrong Rwomiire Akiiki, saying that the king passed away at approximately 10:00 pm on Thursday, 27 August 2026. No official cause of death was given, but a minister from Uganda's government reportedly disclosed that King Oyo was critically ill, receiving treatment in the US. The Prime Minister called the 34-year-old Monarch's death "an immeasurable loss to the Royal Family, the peopel of Tooro and the nation of Uganda", but assured the "continuity of the Crown", adding that His Majesty had left behind "a Prince as his heir, whose identity will be formally revealed at the appropriate time" according to the kingdom's traditions and customs. The late King, who ascended the throne at the age of 3 himself, was not married and information about a child of his had never before been shared.

Born on 16 April 1992, Prince Oyo was selected to succeed his father, 12th Omukama Patrick David Matthew Kaboyo Olimi III on 12 September 1995, 17 days after his sudden death at the age of 49. The todler was enthroned as Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru Rukidi IV, the 13th Omukama (or Traditional Ruler) of The Kingdom of Tooro; and made global headlines as the world's youngest Monarch, listed on Guinness World Records book. Until he was formally crowned on his 18th birthday, Rukidi IV reigned under the Regency of his Mother, Queen Best Kemigisa, aunt Princess Royal Elizabeth Bagaaya Akiiki, and others, under the guardianship of The President of Uganda, Yoweri Museveni. During his 16 years of Independent Reign, King Oyo, a Graduate of London's Greenwich University, focused on promoting Global health (as a Special Ambassador of UN AIDS), modern methods of Agriculture & championing for the protection of the environment and a advocated better quality education for young people.

King Oyo's coffin, drapped to both the flags of Uganda and the Tooro Kingdom, was flown back from the US on Friday September 4 (2026), and was received by several mourners, including the President Musveni, at Entebbe airport. His immediate family, including The Queen Mother, his sister Princess Ruth Komuntale and Princess (Royal) Elizabeth (90), oversaw the short, wreath-laying ceremony there, before the casket was flown by military helicopter to Kyegegwa in Western part of Uganda. There, the late king's mortal remains were driven in motorcade to Tooro's capital Fort Portal, reaching Karuziika Palace, where he lay in state for the next nine days of mourning, until his funeral on September 12. It was planned for the same day Oyo hoped to celebrate his 31st Empango, the coronation anniversary. Prime Minister Akiiki also disclosed that King Oyo had instructed officials to not reveal how serious his illness - reportedly, aggressive cancer - was, having been confident that he would make a full recovery.

Simultaneously, the proceedings to succeed the throne that had fallen vacant, were implemented. The Babiito Royal Clan Council, a Select Committee consisting of 21 senior  royal clan members, was established on September 4, under its traditional head, Musuuga Charles Kanyondo Kamurasi. Its prime task was to create a shortlist of candidates through both bloodline lineage and relation to the Monarch, and eventually to choose & confirm the next king. One of the candidates, reportedly appearing on the top of the list was George Desmond Kamurasi, captain & goalkeeper of the amateur London Football Club South East Dons, & King Oyo's cousin, who asked patience to allow the Omusuuga (head of the clan) and the committee" to make their choice properly. Eventually, on September 9, another cousin of the late King, Prince Edward Rukidi Kijanangoma, a Ugandan TV news anchor, and paternal grandson of King George David Rukidi III was announced as Crown Prince, to succeed as the next Omukama.

However, far from the entire clan was satisfied by this choice. Following the press conference by the Royal Clan's Succession Committee, confirming that Kijanangoma's selection was duly consulted and signed by 19 out of 21 panelists; King Oyo's family called for their own remarks, denouncing the announcement. Princess Komuntale, Oyo's surviving sister, insisted that the 13th Omukama had left a clear instruction paving the way for his son to succeed the throne, and including alternative options in case it would not be possible. Her aunt, Princess Elizabeth Bagaaya Akiiki, suported the same claim. To that Royal Clan representatives responded the reports on the former king's son were not sufficient, since a royal child must be 'formally introduced' to the elders, before undergoing trials for his leadership. The President of Uganda had said that The Queen Mother had informed him on her late son's child, due to be introduced in the right time; none of the Clan's senior members knew anything about its existence.

But the hardest part was yet to follow; on Thursday, September 10, Queen Mother Best Kemigisa issued a message, denouncing the previous day's announcement as violating her son's will (read out at 4pm on Wednesday). Queen Best - who had lost her husband & two out of three children - expressed her bitter disappointment that members of the committee held split press conferences, and decided on succession against her son's custom-based last will (which he wrote in 2022); while he was still lying-in-state at the same palace. Kemisiga questioned the timing of the announcement, before her son's burial, asking all the parties to suspend the dispute of the throne and let them mourn, also alleging that Karuziika Palace's guards had been replaced by Uganda People's Defense Forces soldiers, keeping them like histages there. Spokesperson of the Babiito Clan claimed the selection was lawful and that a Tooro King's son does not automatically become King, but Babiito traditions & wishes of the people must be taken into account.

The new King was formally proclaimed as Omukama Edward Rukidu Nyabongo I during the funeral service of the late King Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru Rukidi IV on Saturday, 12 September 2026. As it is customary, Babiito clan Chief, (Omujwera Musuuga) Charles Kayondo Kamurasi, 80, declared that Tooro had a new King at St. John's Cathedral, where the late King's coffin was wheeled to on Saturday morning, after nine days of lying in state in Karuziika Palace nearby. The announcement caused mixed reactions, even though Musuunga (who was close to Oyo's father) tried to deliver a sermon of unity and thank everyone, including The Queen Mother for the son she brought. Following the service, a hearse procession drove King Oyo to his final resting place, the Karambi Royal Tombs. His successor had to take part in the burial. throwing nine coffee beans in the grave, symbolizing the handover. The final act was reportedly delayed due to tensions on the scene, but the King was laid to rest under a 7-gun-salute.

The next Monarch, was also endorsed by members of Tooro's Supreme Council/Rukurato on September 15, paving the way for his Coronation ceremonies, held Tuesday, 29 September 2026. His Majesty, 56, a Uganda Broadcasting Corporation (UBC) news broadcaster & editor, married to Rebecca Amoding-Rukidi since 2018, has also focused on rural development, agricultural policy & Royal Clan Council. His accession was marked by a series of symbolic rituals of handover, including a replica of royal clan battles & first meal of millet dough while sitting of a virgin's lap, and a slaughtered bull; all on September 12. The new King's official portrait was prepared, as mourning for the untimely deceased Oyo subsided. The enthronement rites commerced on the night of Monday, September 28, at Rwengoma Palace and culminated the following day at Karuziika Palace, Fort Portal City; when the new King & Queen were dressed in the Royal Robes & Omukama received his Royal Crown in front of President and other VIPs.

The Kingdom of Tooro dates back to 1822, when it was established by Omukama Kaboyo Olimi I. The successor of the ancient Kingdom-empire of Kitara, it saw several senior dynasties ruling over its land; with Batembuzi, Bachwezi and Babiito in succession. The Kingdom, mostly Independent during the 19th century, was abolished alongside the rest of Uganda's traditional Kingdoms in 1967 by President Milton Obote, who sought to unify the country beyond its ethnic peculiarities. King Oyo's father, Olimi III, remained claiming Omukama during the period of abolition. The Kingdoms were restored under the current President, Yoweri Museveni, in 1993, but their monarchs never regained Sovereignty. Queen Mother Best Kemisiga (Regent: 1995-2010) used her friendship with Libya's Gaddafi & the President of Uganda to reconstruct the Kingdom of Tooro. King Oyo's first cousin, goalkeeper Kamurasi, 36, was reportedly chosen by the Royal Clan as King, but declined the offer paving the way to Nyabongo I.

Videos:

Sources:

https://apnews.com/article/uganda-tooro-journalist-king-3ce3298a6880deced53039b6e23de24d

https://toorokingdom.org/official-announcement-on-the-passing-of-his-majesty-the-omukama-of-tooro/

https://allafrica.com/stories/202609100359.html

https://www.theguardian.com/world/2026/sep/10/uganda-king-secret-son-succession-dispute

https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/national/omukama-oyo-dies-at-34-kingdom-assures-continuity-of-the-crown-5573838

https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c0j38d9v40po

https://toorokingdom.org/royal-archive/abakama/oyo-rukidi-iv/

https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/clylwgn8jk3o

https://chimpreports.com/how-tooro-royals-selected-rukidi-kijanangoma-as-oyos-successor/

https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c8jdpj4ydm2o

https://www.newvision.co.ug/category/news/edward-rukidi-kijanangoma-named-14th-king-of-NV_240352_092026

bbc.co.uk/sport/football/articles/c86x0q008e5o

https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/national/prince-edward-kijanangoma-elected-new-tooro-king-5589580

https://observer.ug/news/tooro-queen-mother-denounces-king-elect-kijanangoma/

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Omukama_of_Tooro

https://observer.ug/news/ubc-tv-journalist-kijanganoma-selected-as-new-tooro-king/

https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/national/tooro-s-new-king-is-edward-kijanangoma-musuuga-declares-as-royal-family-steers-clear-of-succession-5592728

https://toorokingdom.org/royal-archive/abakama/edward-rukidi-nyabongo-i/

https://www.newvision.co.ug/category/news/tooro-king-edward-rukidi-nyabongo-completes-f-NV_240526_092026

https://chimpreports.com/photos-how-nyabongo-1-buried-king-oyo-in-tooros-ancient-royal-ritual/

https://observer.ug/news/tooro-supreme-council-muhoozi-confirm-kijanangoma-as-next-king/

https://toorokingdom.org/about-tooro-kingdom/

https://www.newvision.co.ug/category/news/tooro-supreme-council-endorses-kijanangoma-cd-NV_240675_092026

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Orukurato_Orukuru_(Tooro)

https://toorokingdom.org/royal-archive/abakama/king-patrick-david-matthew-kaboyo/

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Best_Kemigisa

https://mediacentre.go.ug/press-room/the-coronation-of-his-majesty-edward-rukidi-nyabongo-i-and-the-new-dawn-of-tooro-kingdom

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rukidi_IV_of_Tooro

https://mediacentre.go.ug/press-room/a-throne-beneath-the-mountains-of-the-moon

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nyabongo_I_of_Tooro

https://mediacentre.go.ug/press-room?page=6#releases

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Charles_Kamurasi

58/40: Ruby Jubilee of Mswati III as Ngwenyama of Eswatini

People from all over eSwatini (the land of Swazi nation) gathered at Somhlolo National Stadium in provincial Lombaba on Friday, April 24 2026 to witness a historic milestone of their King: 58:40. The double celebrations of King Mswati III's 58th Birthday and 40th Coronation anniversary, or Ruby Jubilee of Reign underscored a lavish four-hour ceremony which included a military parade, congratulatory speeches, The King's address and traditional performances in front of The Royal Family, current & former State leaders & diplomats from abroad and the general public, whose attendance was without charge. King Mswati III was crowned on 25 April 1986, six days after turning 18, to succeed his father as King of then Swaziland, a tiny Sovereign kingdom bordering with South Africa & Mozambique. An absolute Monarch, the Ngwenyama (as he is known in Swazi) can rule by decree, and has to marry multiple wives to forge a bond with all provinces of his Kingdom. It is his mother (& Co-Ruler), though, The Indlovukazi (Queen Mother), by whom the future King is determined, and only the chosen wife of the deceased King can be Queen-Regent for her son to be prepared for kingship; as it was for the current King before his Crowning.

Somhlolo National Stadium was not a causual choice. Built in 1968, the year King Mswati was born and Swaziland became Independent, it was the venue where Crown Prince Makhosetive Dlamini was crowned as King in 1986. Its capacity of 20,000 helped accomondate Presidents and former State leaders from the neighboring countries, including King Letsie III & Queen 'Masenate Mohato Seeiso from Lesotho and two of their children, Princess Senate and Crown Prince Lerotholi Seeiso. King Letsie, the only Monarch in attendance, equally Sovereign to the Swazi King would deliver his Congratulatory address on behalf of foreign Heads of State, in which he described the occasion as "a shining testament of joy, selfless leadership, resilience and devotion (to your people)", more than a mere personal milestone.

King Mswati III was the last to arrive, making his entrance in an open roof jeep, similar to the vehicle used on his Coronation. The world's second longest-reigning King (& third longest-serving Sovereign Monarch), dressed in a red Umbutfo Eswatini Defence Force (UEDF) uniform with all of his medals pinned on his chest, inspected several mounted regiments of troops before moving to his seat next to The King of Lesotho, and his Mother, The Indlovukazi (literally translated as: "Great She-Elephant"), who was also welcomed with honours as joint head of state. Next to The Queen Mother, sat the 11 Inkhosikatis, current wives of The King & his royal fiancee, Liphovela Nomcebo, daughter of South Africa's former President Jacob Zuma. In the lines behind followed members of The Royal House of Dlamini, including The King's 39 children and 13 grandchildren.

The celebration mainly consisted of a spectacular military display, and then traditional dance & show performances by women in colourful customary tunic clothings, men in animal skin & stophies, bare-chested maidens (who showcase their virginity by following the traditional umcwasho - chastity rite, re-established by The King in 2001). The Royal Star of the day was little Prince Mkhandlowenkhosi, the youngest son of King Mswati III. The 5-year-old, his father's copy in the red Army Uniform, marched alongside UEDF troops, before presenting himself out loud to His Majesty and receiving a special permission of riffle drilling. After his display he ascended to The King's seat & greeted him militarily. Following His Majesty's speech and the entertainment performances offered, Mswati III descended to the stadium's Dais, where he saluted the troops while The National Anthem played, and a flypast of planes & helicopters carrying his Jubilee banner flew over the foggy skies. The King left first in the same vehicle he arrived with.

The Ngwenyama (loosely translated to "Lion"-King) delivered his hour-long address in Swazi with english interpretation. It focused on the multiple fields of progress (financial, infrastructural, living standards) & development the country he renamed to Eswatini in 2018 had made, its unwavering principle of peace with everyone, and a sustainable & emancipated future for the nation and Africa as a whole. The King renewed the oath he made as Crown Prince, moments before his formal enthronement four decades before: to "serve with devotion... uphold (our) traditions and (our) constitution... lead towards unity, peace and prosperity, and (I will) never forget that the Throne exists for the people". Paying tribute to his father, King Sobhuza II's legacy of nation-building & cultural preservation, King Mswati III reflected on the Royal Ruby Jubilee as a sacred occasion, highlighting the groundbreaking Constitution of 2005, giving thanks to God, the ancestors, The Royal Family & " (to) every Liswati... sustaining the Kingdom", and envisioning its future hand-in-hand with the rest of Africa; Independent, decolonized and capable to rely on its own growing.

Speaking about an Eswatini significantly grown over the years from the early parts of celebrations, His Majesty referenced African Union's Agenda 2063 & The United Nations' 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development as hallmarks towards Eswatini's inclusive growth & sustainable development. It was said during the Gift Day Presentation (Tetfulo) ceremony, held at Mandvulo Grand Hall in Lozitha, on the eve of The King's 58th Birthday, Saturday 18th April (2026). Tetfulo is usually held on occasions of national importance or on personal milestones of The Monarch and symbolizes the national appreciation and collective support of The King's leadership. The Mandvulo Hall (& its outskirts) was full of gifts, ranging from fruits, vegetables & electronics to car, tractors, cattle & cash. In total King Mswati III received 251 cattle & E18,230,836.00 in cash from individual & companies' contributions. His Mother The Indlovukazi, as well as other prominent members of The Royal Family were present there.

A series of road-shows also took place over the week leading up to the Ruby Jubilee celebrations. Local leaders, members of communities & stakeholders in four different municipalities came together as part of the national build-up to The King's 40-year-milestone on the throne, in a display of unity, patriotism & national pride. Overseen closely by The Master of Ceremonies Sandile Dlamini (also known as "Sweet Banana") and with local officials & high-ranked Royals (Minister of The Home Affairs, Princess Lindiwe Dlamini); Siteki (17 April), Mankyane (18 April), Ezulwini (20 April) and Lobamba (21 April) joined in street parades with elements of shows, traditional dances & musical performances by bands of pupils, students, police & correctional services taking part. Each road spectacle culminated with several addresses, guidelining public participation at The 40/58 central celebration, while after the final show (by Lobamba), leaders joined rehearsing performers on the ground of Somhlolo National Stadium.

The central events of 40/58 Double Celebration took place over the long weekend of April 24 to 26, culminating a month-long Ruby Jubilee programe. Day two (April 25) was also the National Flag Day of Eswatini (& the actual 40th anniversary of Mswati III's Coronation). The Ngwenyama was joined by several foreign quests (including King Letsie III of Lesotho & Zulu King Misuzulu kaZwelithini) for the formal launching of The International Convention Center (ICC) in Ezulwini. The landmark facility, named Palazzo Ezulwini (operated by a Dubai-based luxury hospitality management) is the country's first capital raising facility, capable for hosting International Conferences, Expos, Fairs & Profitable Projects. Their Majesties were guided through the building's main halls (among them dining halls, art spaces, conference rooms & a theater) before the festive cake cutting banquet, also joined by The Indlovukazi (Queen Mother) & members of The Royal Family. On the final day (Sunday, April 26), leaders joined King Mswati III & male members of The House of Dlamini for a series of open stadium warrior dances & ethnic performances; with part of their adornment, the - totally Swazi - animal skins.

Videos:

Sources:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Succession_to_the_Swazi_throne

https://40years.gov.sz/his-majesty-renews-his-coronation-promise-as-eswatini-marks-58th-birthday-and-40-years-on-the-throne/

https://www.gov.ls/royal/his-majesty-king-letsie-iii-honoured-king-mswati-iiis-40-years-of-leadership/

https://40years.gov.sz/speech-by-his-majesty/

https://www.switchmedia.africa/africa/article/king-mswati-iii-marks-40-years-on-throne-with-lavish-ruby-jubilee-celebrations

https://40years.gov.sz/his-majesty-officially-opens-ezulwini-palazzo/

https://www.eswatiniobserver.com/king-opens-international-convention-centre-eswatini/

https://40years.gov.sz/40-years-on-kings-reign-fuels-new-momentum-for-local-enterprise/

https://eswatinipositivenews.online/celebrating-progress-in-justice-honouring-his-majestys-58th-birthday-and-40-years-on-the-throne/

https://40years.gov.sz/siteki-comes-alive-as-roadshow-builds-excitement-towards-his-majestys-40-year-reign-celebration/

https://www.cnbcafrica.com/2026/eswatini-celebrates-king-mswati-iiis-40-years-as-critics-decry-royal-spending

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/House_of_Dlamini

https://40years.gov.sz/mankayane-roadshow-draws-big-crowd-as-excitement-grows-for-his-majestys-40-years-on-the-throne/

https://times.co.sz/32659/news/king-receives-over-e18-million-and-over-250-cattle-in-tetfulo/

https://40years.gov.sz/gift-day-presentation-tetfulo/

https://www.eswatiniobserver.com/king-mswati-thanks-nation-tetfulo-contributions/

https://40years.gov.sz/ezulwini-roadshow/

https://www.eswatiniobserver.com/king-letsie-praises-king-mswati-leadership/

https://40years.gov.sz/lobamba-roadshow/

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mswati_III