UBC TV news anchor and editor Prince Edward Kijanangoma Rukidi has been named the new Omukama of the Tooro Kingdom, following the death of King Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru Rukidi IV on 27 August, 2026.
Msgr. Isiah Mayombo announced the succession on Wednesday evening, 9 September, at Karuziika Palace in the presence of the Babiito royal clan leaders, who oversee the selection of the Tooro monarch.
Led by Babiito royal clan head Omusuuga Charles Akiiki Kamurasi, a 21-member succession committee chose Prince Edward Kijanangoma after reviewing several potential heirs from the royal family.
The newly named King, Prince Edward, is the son of the late Prince Christopher Paul Kijanangoma and grandson of former Tooro King George David Rukidi III, who reigned 1904 – 1965.
His enthronement will follow the traditional customs and rituals of the Tooro Kingdom. Once crowned, he will take the regnal name Omukama Edward Rukidi V.
Meanwhile, some members of the Tooro royal family, including the late King’s sister Princess Nsemere Komuntale, backed by their paternal aunt Princess Elizabeth Bagaaya, have publicly refuted the announcement by the Babiito clan leaders.
The disagreement was thereafter reinforced through Tooro Kingdom’s official platforms, posting scanned copies of the late King Oyo’s 2022 will, under the caption: “Under the Will, his [King Oyo’s] son is designated as the first heir and successor to the throne. Should he be unable to assume the throne, succession passes in order to Prince Komwiswa Yoweri, followed by Prince Nyaika Solomon.”
