FORT PORTAL, UGANDA — Hon. Mary Kuteesa Kamuli, Minister of State for Gender and Culture Affairs, has taken centre stage in the formal recognition of His Majesty Edward Rukidi Nyabongo I as the Omukama of Tooro following the publication of the government’s declaration in the Uganda Gazette.
Kamuli confirmed that she had delivered the Gazette declaration recognising Nyabongo I as the legitimate monarch of Tooro Kingdom, marking a significant milestone in the government’s recognition of the kingdom’s succession process.
The declaration was published in the Uganda Gazette on October 16, 2026, as General Notice No. 2204. It was signed by the Minister of Gender, Labour and Social Development, Lt. Gen. (Rtd) Henry Tumukunde, on October 12, formally recognising Nyabongo I as Omukama with effect from September 29, 2026.
The recognition follows a succession process initiated by the Babiito Royal Clan, which selected Prince Edward Rukidi Kijanangoma on September 9, 2026. The decision was subsequently endorsed by the Rukurato Rw’Obukama Bwa Tooro, the kingdom’s supreme council, during its September 15 sitting at Muchwa.
On September 24, Kamuli publicly affirmed the government’s position that the customary, constitutional and statutory requirements for the transition had been satisfied. She explained that the government had received the relevant resolutions from the royal clan and the kingdom’s supreme council and was proceeding with formal recognition.
Nyabongo I was crowned on September 29, 2026, at Karuziika Palace in Fort Portal City, in a ceremony attended by President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni. He succeeded the late Omukama Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru Rukidi IV, whose death on August 27 triggered the succession process.
The Gazette declaration cites Article 246(1) of the Constitution of Uganda and Section 5 of the Institution of Traditional or Cultural Leaders Act, 2011, which provide for the recognition and publication of traditional or cultural leaders in accordance with the customs and traditions of their communities.
The formal recognition follows weeks of public debate over the succession, including disagreements within the royal family concerning a purported will attributed to the late King Oyo. The Gazette notice records the government’s recognition of Nyabongo I but does not expressly determine the validity of the purported will or the status of the reported biological son.
Kamuli’s role in the process highlights the government’s engagement with traditional institutions and the importance of preserving cultural heritage while following the applicable legal framework. The gazettement formally records Edward Rukidi Nyabongo I’s recognition as Omukama of Tooro, marking a new chapter in the kingdom’s royal leadership.
