Edward Rukidi Nyabongo I Crowned King of Tooro Kingdom
Edward Rukidi Nyabongo I ascended the throne of the Tooro Kingdom following traditional rituals and a succession dispute over the late King Oyo Nyimba's heir.
Following a series of traditional rituals in Fort Portal, Edward Rukidi Nyabongo I was installed as the monarch of the Tooro Kingdom on September 29, 2026. The installation began with an overnight procession from Rwengoma Palace to Karuziika Palace, where the new king participated in a symbolic mock battle and speared a bull to assert his royal seat. He concluded the rituals by sounding the royal drum, Butwarane, nine times to end the mourning period for the late King Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru Rukidi IV.
Nyabongo, a 56-year-old former news anchor and editor for the Uganda Broadcasting Corporation, was selected by a 21-member committee of the Babiito ruling clan. His ascension follows the August death of King Oyo Nyimba, who died of cancer at age 34. The selection sparked a succession dispute involving Queen Mother Best Kemigisa and Princess Ruth Komuntale, who claim the late king left a written will naming an undisclosed young son as his heir. Supporters of the Babiito clan's decision argue that any legitimate heir should have been introduced to elders during the previous king's lifetime.
The coronation process included a blessing service at St. John’s Cathedral led by Bishop Reuben Kisembo and a formal ceremony at Karuziika Palace. President Yoweri Museveni attended the event as the chief guest. While the Tooro monarchy holds no formal political authority, the institution remains a significant guardian of cultural heritage in Uganda.
