Former Journalist Becomes 13th King of Uganda’s Tooro Kingdom

In Uganda, former TV news anchor Edward Rukidi Kijanangoma has assumed the throne of the Tooro Kingdom, becoming the 13th king of the Batoro people. His coronation was held according to traditional rituals, bringing an end to a dispute over the succession to the throne. The 56-year-old Edward Rukidi Kijanangoma succeeded former King Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru Rukidi IV, who died of cancer in the United States last month at the age of 34. His death triggered a dispute over the succession, with the late king’s mother claiming that he had another son whose existence had not previously been announced and who was entitled to the throne.

Uganda is a constitutional republic governed by an elected president. However, four kingdoms established before the colonial era still exist as symbols of cultural identity and traditional heritage. These kingdoms have no political authority. A 21-member committee of the royal Babiito tribe selected Kijanangoma as the new king. He is a cousin of the late King Oyo Nyimba. According to a source familiar with the succession dispute, the central government supported Kijanangoma’s selection despite objections from the late king’s mother.

During the traditional coronation ceremony, Kijanangoma adopted the royal name Edward Rukidi Nyabongo I. Various traditional rituals were performed during the ceremony, including the slaughtering of a bull and the sprinkling of chicken blood. Nyabongo I walked to Karuziika Palace between midnight and 3 a.m., where he took part in a symbolic battle to claim the throne. Young men wearing traditional attire and carrying sticks and spears were present at the palace. Traditional dancers and drummers also participated in the ceremony. Prominent figures, including Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni, attended the event.

Earlier, Babiito tribe leader Charles Kayondo Kamurasi transferred the royal authority to the new king during a prayer ceremony held at St. John’s Cathedral. In his first speech, Nyabongo I described protecting culture, traditions, customs and practices as his primary responsibility and pledged to unite the people to protect the environment. According to former colleagues, the new king previously worked as a news anchor and editor at Uganda’s state broadcaster, UBC, and was known as a humble and simple person.