FORT PORTAL — Minister of State for Gender and Culture, Hon. Mary Kamuli Kuteesa, has urged the people of Tooro and Uganda to allow the Tooro Kingdom’s established cultural and traditional structures to manage the succession process following the death of Omukama Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru Rukidi IV.
Kuteesa said the institution of a cultural leader is recognised in law as a corporation sole with perpetual succession, meaning that the legal personality of the institution continues through successive holders of the traditional office.
She noted that although Tooro Kingdom will not have another King Oyo in the same historical sense, the institution of the Omukama will continue through a successor chosen in accordance with the Kingdom’s customs, traditions and applicable law.
Her remarks come amid heightened public attention surrounding the succession of the late King Oyo, who died on August 27, 2026, aged 34.
According to the Institution of Traditional or Cultural Leaders Act, 2011, Uganda recognises traditional and cultural institutions in accordance with the culture, customs and traditions, or the wishes and aspirations, of the people concerned.
The law further provides that a person may be installed as a traditional or cultural leader where that person derives allegiance through birth or descent in accordance with the customs, traditions, usage or consent of the people led.
The Act also provides for the publication in the Uganda Gazette of a declaration of a traditional or cultural leader by the Minister responsible for culture after the relevant succession process has been completed.
Kuteesa therefore appealed to individuals outside the established succession process to give the Babiito royal clan and the wider Tooro Kingdom space to undertake the process without unnecessary interference.
She said Tooro has a long history of royal succession and expressed confidence that the Babiito would consider the interests of the Royal family and consult the relevant Tooro clans in determining the next occupant of the throne.
Her appeal comes after the Babiito royal clan constituted a 21-member succession committee following the death of King Oyo. The committee was tasked with overseeing the cultural succession process and identifying his successor.
The succession process has since advanced, with the Babiito clan selecting Prince Edward Rukidi Kijanangoma Nyabongo I as successor to the late King Oyo. The Tooro Kingdom Supreme Council subsequently endorsed the decision, with the formal government gazetting process remaining an important step in the recognition of the successor.
Kuteesa also cautioned against the spread of unsolicited opinions and misinformation during what she described as a sensitive period for the Royal family and the people of Tooro.
Quoting Matthew 12:36, she reminded the public that people will be accountable for the words they speak, urging those commenting on the succession to exercise restraint.
The Minister’s message comes as Tooro continues to navigate the transition following the death of King Oyo, whose reign began in 1995 when he ascended the throne at the age of three.
