The family of the late Omukama Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru Rukidi IV has rejected the announcement of Prince Edward Rukidi Kijanangoma as the new King of Tooro, insisting the late monarch left a will identifying his son as the rightful heir.

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The family of the late Omukama Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru Rukidi IV has rejected the selection of Prince Edward Rukidi Kijanangoma as the next King of Tooro, deepening the succession dispute in the kingdom.

On Wednesday, 9 September 2026, members of the Babiito clan and the 21-member Royal Succession Committee announced Kijanangoma, a news anchor and editor with the Uganda Broadcasting Corporation (UBC), as the new Omukama. The announcement was made at Karuziika Palace in Fort Portal.

Hours later, Princess Ruth Komuntale, the late King’s only sister, publicly rejected the decision. Speaking to journalists at the palace, she said the royal family had earlier met with Omusuuga Charles Akiiki Kamurasi and other Babiito leaders to review King Oyo’s will and had agreed to consult lawyers before any proclamation of a successor.

“I would like to refute that information. It is inaccurate, it is incorrect. My brother left behind a will which stated very, very clearly that the next person in line is his son. That’s the next heir to the throne,” Komuntale said.

She added that the late King had left “very strict instructions” on succession, including provisions for an alternative heir should the preferred successor be unable to take the throne. The announcement of Kijanangoma, she said, came as a surprise to the family.

Queen Mother Best Kemigisa has also challenged the process. In a statement, she appealed for the family to be allowed to mourn and bury her son in peace before succession matters are finalised. She noted that the will was read at the palace in the presence of royal family members and government representatives, including Minister of Gender, Labour and Social Development Maj Gen (Rtd) Henry Tumukunde, who represented President Museveni.

According to reports of the will, signed in 2022, a son of King Oyo is named as the first heir, followed by a defined line of succession involving other members of the royal family.

Kijanangoma is a grandson of former Omukama Sir George David Rukidi III and a cousin of the late King Oyo. His selection by the succession committee follows earlier reports that had pointed to other candidates, including George Desmond Kamurasi.

The emerging dispute comes just days before the scheduled burial of King Oyo on 12 September at Karambi Royal Tombs. The Queen Mother has called on the leadership of the Uganda People’s Defence Forces and President Museveni to ensure the family can receive mourners freely and complete the burial rites without interference.

The succession question remains unresolved as the kingdom prepares for the final farewell to a monarch who ascended the throne at the age of three and reigned for 31 years.