KAMPALA — Minister of State for Gender and Culture Affairs, Hon. Mary Kuteesa Kamuli, has addressed the nation on the succession of the Tooro Kingdom throne, providing clarity on the process following the death of the late King Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru Rukidi IV.
Speaking at the Uganda Media Centre on Thursday, September 24, 2026, Kamuli said the Government had received communication from Tooro Kingdom confirming the selection of His Majesty Edward Rukidi Nyabongo I as the new Omukama of Tooro.
Kamuli, who described herself as a minister from Tooro, acknowledged the grief caused by the death of King Oyo and said the late monarch would continue to hold a special place in the hearts of the people of Tooro.
She said the succession process followed the customs, traditions and established practices of the kingdom, explaining that the Babiito Royal Clan selected Prince Edward Rukidi Kijanangoma on September 9, 2026.
According to Kamuli, the prince was subsequently presented to the Rukurato Rw’Obukama Bwa Tooro, the Supreme Council of the Kingdom, which endorsed the succession at its meeting held at Muchwa on September 15.
She further announced that the Government is processing the Gazette notice required for the formal recognition of the new Omukama, in accordance with the constitutional and legal framework governing traditional and cultural institutions in Uganda.
Kamuli also confirmed that the coronation of Edward Rukidi Nyabongo I, who becomes the 13th Omukama of Tooro, is scheduled for September 29, 2026, at Karuziika Palace in Fort Portal City, with President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni expected to attend.
The minister called upon the people of Tooro and all stakeholders to embrace unity, peace and respect for the kingdom’s customs and traditions as preparations continue for the historic coronation.
