KAMPALA — The Government has formally confirmed the succession of His Majesty Edward Rukidi Nyaboongo I as the 13th Omukama of Tooro, clearing the way for his coronation on Tuesday, September 29, 2026, at Karuziika Palace in Fort Portal City.
Minister of State for Gender and Culture Affairs, Hon. Mary Kuteesa Kamuli, made the announcement on Thursday at the Uganda Media Centre in Kampala, saying Tooro Kingdom had officially communicated to Government that the customary succession process had been completed.
“Tooro has a new king,” Kuteesa announced, confirming that Prince Edward Rukidi Kijanangoma had been formally affirmed as successor to the late Omukama Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru Rukidi IV.
Kuteesa said the coronation will mark the continuity of the Obukama Bwa Tooro and provide an opportunity for the people of Tooro, Uganda and visitors from around the world to celebrate the kingdom’s cultural heritage and traditions.
The Minister also paid tribute to the late King Oyo, who died on August 27, saying his death had left a deep wound among the people of Tooro.
“As a Minister from Tooro Kingdom, I understand our deep wound. We will always miss King Oyo and we will always hold him in a special place in our culture and in our hearts,” Kuteesa said.
She said the Government continues to keep the Queen Mother and Princess Ruth in its prayers.
Babiito Clan Leads Succession Process
According to Kuteesa, the succession process was undertaken through the recognised traditional institutions and established customs of Tooro.
She said the Babiito Clan, under the leadership of Omusuuga Charles Kayondo Kamurasi Akiiki, selected Prince Edward Rukidi Kijanangoma on September 9 at Karuziika Palace.
The Prince was subsequently presented to the Rukurato Rw’Obukama Bwa Tooro, the Supreme Council of the Kingdom, which convened at Rukurato Chambers in Muchwa on September 15 and endorsed the succession.
“The Government has received the resolutions of the Succession Committee and the Rukurato in support of the succession process,” Kuteesa said.
Following the completion of the process, Prince Edward was formally affirmed as successor and assumed the official name and title of His Majesty Edward Rukidi Nyaboongo I, Omukama w’Obukama Bwa Tooro.
Musuga: Coronation Will Follow Tooro Traditions
According to the Omusuuga Charles Kayondo Kamurasi Akiiki, the head of the Babiito Royal Clan,he had earlier announced that the Rukurato had endorsed the new Omukama and fixed September 29 for the coronation.
“I want to inform you that the Orukurato has decided that the coronation of our new King Edward Rukidi Nyabongo I will take place on 29 September 2026,” Kamurasi said while addressing journalists at the Uganda Media center
He said preparations began immediately following the Rukurato’s decision.
“Our ceremonies to inaugurate him will begin on 29th September 2026. The Orukurato welcomed the statement from the Babiito clan and straight away confirmed and endorsed the new Omukama-to-be,” Kamurasi said.
There is a budget of. Almost 1.35 billions shillings that we need to accomplish this task though the government of uganda through the prime minister robinah nabanja has promised to help but we call on all friends of tooro kingdom and we’ll wishers to help in whatever way one can.
Kamurasi also said the coronation would involve traditional rituals, including the new King’s arrival through Mugavante, where a mock battle forms part of the installation ceremony before the King enters the palace and the traditional rites continue.
Government Moves to Gazette New King
Kuteesa said the Government’s recognition of the new Omukama is guided by Article 246 of the Constitution, together with the Institution of Traditional or Cultural Leaders Act, 2011.
She said Tooro Kingdom had requested the Ministry of Gender, Labour and Social Development to declare and publish Edward Rukidi Nyaboongo I as Omukama of Tooro in the Uganda Gazette.
“The Ministry is accordingly processing the Gazette in accordance with the law,” she said.
The Minister said Government therefore considers the customary, constitutional and statutory process for the transition and formal recognition of the new Omukama to have been satisfied.
Kuteesa Calls for Peace and Unity
As Tooro prepares for the historic ceremony, Kuteesa called upon the people of the kingdom and all Ugandans to approach the coronation with peace, unity, dignity, respect and cultural harmony.
She urged all stakeholders to respect the Constitution, the laws of Uganda and the customs and traditions of the people of Tooro.
“I call upon all stakeholders to fully participate and work together to ensure that the coronation is conducted peacefully, respectfully and in accordance with the Constitution, the Institution of Traditional or Cultural Leaders Act, 2011, and the customs and traditions of the people of Tooro,” she said.
Kuteesa also appealed to the media to provide accurate, responsible and balanced coverage of the coronation and related cultural activities.
President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has also personally informed the people of Tooro that he will honour their invitation and attend the coronation, according to the Minister.
The September 29 ceremony at Karuziika Palace will therefore mark a new chapter for the Tooro Kingdom, following the death of King Oyo, while placing the kingdom’s cultural traditions and institutions at the centre of a major national cultural occasion.
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