The planned coronation of Prince Edward Rukidi Nyabongo I as the new King of Tooro has been thrown into uncertainty after a last-minute petition was filed at the Fort Portal High Court seeking to stop Tuesday’s installation ceremony scheduled for September 29, 2026.
The application was filed by two Batooro, Derick Alitugabira and Juliet Kangume, together with Walezi Wa Katiba, an organisation advocating for the rule of law and good governance. Through their lawyers, the applicants are seeking an interim court order restraining the coronation pending determination of their main case challenging the legitimacy of Nyabongo’s selection.
According to the petition, the applicants argue that the succession process did not reflect what they claim were the wishes of the late King Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru Rukidi IV. They allege that the late King left a written Will indicating that his son should succeed him, or, in the absence of his son, his cousin.
The petition also names former Tooro Queen Mother Best Kemigisa as a respondent. The applicants want the court to compel her to produce the alleged Will and provide information concerning the reported existence of a biological son of the late King Oyo.
The applicants argue that proceeding with the coronation before the succession dispute is determined could create irreversible changes to the leadership of the Tooro Kingdom. The application comes just hours before the kingdom is scheduled to begin its final traditional and ceremonial activities.
By Monday afternoon, the High Court had not yet determined the emergency application, leaving uncertainty over whether Tuesday’s highly anticipated installation ceremony would proceed as planned.
The legal challenge comes after the Babiito Royal Clan selected Prince Edward Rukidi Kijanangoma as the successor on September 9, followed by endorsement by the Tooro Supreme Council on September 15. Government has also been processing the formal recognition of the new Omukama.
Meanwhile, preparations for the coronation have continued, with Prince Edward expected to undergo traditional rites before Tuesday’s church service and formal enthronement. President Yoweri Museveni is expected to attend the ceremony as chief guest. The court’s decision on the latest application will now be closely watched as Tooro prepares to usher in a new reign following the death of King Oyo on August 27.
