Former TV journalist crowned king of Uganda’s Tooro Kingdom

A former television journalist has been crowned the new monarch of Uganda’s Tooro Kingdom, succeeding King Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru Rukidi IV, who died unexpectedly last month. Edward Rukidi Kiganangoma, now known as King Nyabongo I, underwent traditional coronation rituals in Fort Portal, western Uganda, on Tuesday.

The 56-year-old king previously served as a TV anchor and editor for the Ugandan public broadcaster UBC. His ascension follows the death of King Oyo at age 34, who had become monarch at just three years old. The former king passed away while undergoing cancer treatment in the United States.

Oyo’s death triggered a succession dispute in the East African nation. The late king’s mother advocated for her grandson, whose identity remains undisclosed, to inherit the throne. However, the royal Babito clan selected Kiganangoma as the heir from among eligible princes.

The coronation ceremony included mock battles and animal sacrifices, reflecting traditional customs. The event was broadcast on television and drew thousands of attendees to the remote town of Fort Portal. The proceedings took place at the Karuziika Palace in Bunyangabu District.

In his first public address, the new king pledged to uphold the kingdom’s heritage. “We have a big task to protect our culture, our traditions and customs and good conduct among our people,” he stated. He also told the New Vision newspaper that his family never allowed him to view royal descent as an entitlement.

Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni attended the ceremony. While expressing sorrow over King Oyo’s passing, Museveni congratulated the new monarch. “I have been watching him on the news and he is a good newsreader. I am sure he will do a good job,” the president said.

Uganda operates as a constitutional republic with a democratically elected president. However, the country’s four major precolonial kingdoms continue to hold significant cultural influence despite having no political authority. These traditional leaders play roles in maintaining social order and preserving the heritage of their respective kingdoms.

King Oyo was laid to rest earlier this month following a nine-day official mourning period during which his body lay in state at the Karuziika Royal Palace. His burial took place at the Karambi Royal Tombs in Fort Portal.