Tooro Queen Mother Best Kemigisa has disclosed that the intense succession battle following the passing of her son, the late Omukama Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru Rukidi IV, forced the family to leave his child in Texas, United States.

Speaking regarding the arrangements following the King's death, Kemigisa explained that the family had originally intended to return with the child on the same flight from the U.S. However, as rival factions within the kingdom began staking claims to the throne, royal relatives opted to keep the young heir abroad for safety and stability.

The disputed succession. The development sheds new light on the growing factionalism within the Tooro Kingdom. The Babiito clan leadership recently selected and confirmed Edward Rukidi Kijanangoma, now styled as Omukama Edward Rukidi Nyabongo I, as the new monarch. However, key figures close to the late King insist that a written will left by Omukama Oyo named his biological son as his immediate successor, sparking a bitter conflict between traditional clan precedent and the late King's explicit wishes.

Differing perspectives. Supporters of the Babiito clan elders argue that customary law empowers the clan council to determine the leadership of the kingdom during times of transition to ensure continuity. On the other hand, defenders of the late King's will maintain that ignoring the monarch's written decree undermines the royal household's authority. Queen Mother Kemigisa, who has repeatedly called for peace and unity throughout the mourning period, emphasized that safeguarding the child remains paramount amidst the ongoing power struggle.

King Musah Media will continue to follow this story as developments in the Tooro Kingdom succession unfold.