FORT PORTAL, Uganda – The succession committee of the Babiito Clan has elected Prince Edward Rukidi Kijanangoma to be enthroned as the successor to Omukama Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru Rukidi IV.
Prince Kijanangoma is the son of the late Prince Christopher Paul Kijanangoma and grandson of Omukama Sir George David Rukidi Kamurasi 111.
Members of the Succession Committee were elected by the general meeting of the Babito clan to elect the suitable candidate for the throne of Tooro upon the demise of Omukama Oyo-Nyimba Kabamba Iguru Rukidi IV.
https://twitter.com/Shalom256clips/status/2097732852813086978
Msgr Isiah Mayombo, who read the announcement on behalf of Babiito at the Karuziika Palace, said the group was aware that the authority to elect the King of Toro lies with them and, sitting together with and under the leadership of Omukama Rukidi Musuga, head of the Babiito clan, and having undertaken due diligence, consultation, and adequate consideration, had reached the decision.
“On this September 8, 2026, we resolve that Prince Edward Rukidi Kijanangoma be enthroned as the Omukama of Tooro in accordance with the traditions and customs of the Tooro Kingdom to succeed the late Omukama Oyo-Nyimba Kabamba Iguru Rukidi IV,” said Mayombo.
It’s all systems go ahead of King Oyo’s burial
Before ascending to the throne, he built a successful professional career in broadcast journalism, serving as a prominent news anchor and senior news editor at the national broadcaster, Uganda Broadcasting Corporation (UBC TV).
He became a familiar household face across Uganda, regularly anchoring primetime television bulletins, including UBC News Tonight. He married Rebecca Amoding in December 2018 during a ceremony held at Watoto Church.
Meanwhile, the organising committee of the funeral of the late Omukama, His Majesty King Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru Rukidi IV of the Tooro Kingdom, has set the stage for his final send-off.
According to Richard Rwabuhinga, the Chairman of the Organising Committee, the viewing of the body will end on Friday, September 11, 2026, at 5pm, followed by an official vigil later that evening.
“We know that on Saturday we have got very limited time, so on Friday we shall have an official vigil where we shall expect delegations from the other kingdoms and monarchs, the visiting monarchs, to make their statements and pay their tribute,” said Rwabuhinga.
https://twitter.com/CelebPatrolUg/status/2097729467074355227
He announced that the committee will also have an opportunity to read out all the condolences it has received and the messages that have been written, and to announce the contributions they have received.
“In a spirit of transparency and accountability, we shall read out all the condolence messages that we have received, including those that have given us finances,” he added.
King Oyo embarks on his final journey
King Oyo’s body arrived at Entebbe Airport on Friday, September 4, 2026, on board a chartered plane from the United States of America, where he died on August 27, 2026, while undergoing treatment. A guard of honour was mounted at the airport as the body arrived in the country.
President Museveni laid a wreath on the casket—draped in both the national and Tooro kingdom flags—while the Uganda Police Band played solemn hymns.
On Saturday, which is the final day, Rwabuhinga said the fallen king will embark on his final journey from Karuzika at 8:15am.
https://twitter.com/Mrgovrnt/status/2097733608874135975
Rwabuhinga further disclosed that the church is supposed to be at the main St. John’s Cathedral, Kabarole. The main celebrant is the Archbishop of the Province of the Church of Uganda, Dr. Steven Kazimba Mugalu. He will be assisted by a number of bishops and the clergy.
“Those intending to be part of that service, that burial service, should start their journey early enough so that they are settled at the cathedral by 8am. At 8:15am, we shall receive the body of His Majesty. It will lie in state at church, within, say, the church premises, for 45 minutes, from 8:15am to 9am,” the chairman further said.
Who will lead the church service
At 9am, Rwabuhinga revealed that the procession will begin, moving to the service grounds led by the Archbishop of the Church of Uganda. The service at church will run from 9am to exactly 1pm.
“In the Tooro traditions, we don’t bury the king beyond 2pm. We don’t bury the king late. So the service will begin at exactly 9am. In the middle of the service, we shall have speeches, and these speeches will come only from four known individuals. This is a sister to the fallen king, Omugabe Batembe, Semere Khumuntari,” explained Rwabuhinga.
Then, Rwabuhinga announced that there will be speeches from the Queen Mother, Akiki Besigye Mugisa, Musuuga, the head of the Babiito clan in Toro, and any cabinet minister who will be around.
https://twitter.com/rwenzori_/status/2097726574409736697
The kingdom has also extended an invitation to President Museveni or his representative to make the final statement on behalf of the state.
“This being an official burial, that will mark the end of the eulogies on the day, and then we proceed with the conclusion of the service and plan to go to the royal tombs. Now, for the royal tombs, yes, it is open ground,” explained Rwabuhinga.
Why the Tooro subjects will walk for six kilometers
He, however, said that no vehicle will be allowed there apart from that of the Queen Mother of the Batembe, the princess of the Musuuga, the bishops, the archbishop, and the representative of the president
Rwabuhinga announced that the protocol is organising stickers for no more than 20 to 30 vehicles.
“The rest of us will walk on foot from the church to the royal tombs. It’s a distance of about six kilometers. It’s a walkable distance. And as people of Tooro, we are prepared to make that trek as we escort our king on his final journey,” stated Rwabuhinga.
https://twitter.com/KamusiimeOlivia/status/2097730886837944736
According to Rwabuhinga, this is a sign of love that the subjects must demonstrate at the end of it all.
“And therefore, we’re expected to walk that distance to the royal tombs, where the king will be laid to rest with his ancestors, his father, and his forefathers. That is the program as it stands today. Should there be any change, we shall communicate, but we continue to appreciate the media,” he further said.
