KAMPALA – The Government of Uganda has officially announced the coronation of His Majesty Edward Rukidi Nyaboongo I as the 13th Omukama of Tooro, set to take place on Tuesday, September 29, 2026, at Karuziika Palace in Fort Portal City.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!The announcement was made by Hon. Mary Kuteesa Kamuli, Minister of State for Gender and Culture Affairs, during a press briefing at the Uganda Media Centre in Kampala on Thursday, September 24, 2026.
The coronation follows the passing of His Majesty King Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru Rukidi IV on August 27, 2026, at age 34 while receiving cancer treatment in the United States, after a remarkable 31-year reign that began when he ascended the throne at just 3 years old in 1995.
The Minister extended prayers and condolences to the Queen Mother and Princess Ruth, acknowledging the profound loss experienced by the royal family and the people of Tooro.
Minister Kamuli noted that the succession process was conducted in strict accordance with the customs, traditions, and established practices of the Obukama Bwa Tooro.
The Babiito Clan, under the leadership of Omusuuga Charles Kayondo Kamurasi Akiiki, Head of the Babiito Royal Clan, selected Prince Edward Rukidi Kijanangoma on September 9, 2026, at Karuziika Palace.
The Prince was subsequently presented to and endorsed by the Rukurato Rw’Obukama Bwa Tooro, the Supreme Council of the Kingdom, which convened at Rukurato Chambers in Muchwa on September 15, 2026.
“The Government has received the resolutions of the Succession Committee and the Rukurato in support of the succession process,” Minister Kamuli confirmed.
Following the completion of the succession process, Prince Edward Rukidi Kijanangoma was formally affirmed as the successor to the Obukama Bwa Tooro, assuming the official name and title of His Majesty Edward Rukidi Nyaboongo I, Omukama w’Obukama Bwa Tooro.
Minister Kamuli emphasized that the succession process is firmly grounded in Uganda’s constitutional and legal framework, with the Constitution recognizing traditional and cultural leaders in accordance with the customs and traditions of their people.
The Minister added that the Institution of Traditional or Cultural Leaders Act further operationalizes this framework by providing for the establishment, recognition, and functioning of traditional institutions and their leaders.
She noted that Obukama Bwa Tooro requested the Ministry of Gender, Labour and Social Development to declare and publish His Majesty Edward Rukidi Nyaboongo I as Omukama of Tooro in the Uganda Gazette.
“The Obukama Bwa Tooro has, in accordance with the law, requested the Ministry of Gender, Labour and Social Development for a declaration and publication of His Majesty Edward Rukidi Nyaboongo I as the Omukama of Tooro in the Uganda Gazette. The Ministry is accordingly processing the Gazette in accordance with the law,” Minister Kamuli stated.
The Government affirmed that a clear and orderly customary, constitutional, and statutory process for the transition and formal recognition of the new Omukama has been satisfied.
The Minister noted that the occasion will provide an opportunity for the people of Tooro, their cultural institutions, invited guests, and the wider Ugandan public to witness and celebrate the continuity of the Obukama Bwa Tooro.
“This coronation represents the continuity of the Obukama Bwa Tooro and provides an opportunity for the people of Tooro, Uganda, and the world to participate and celebrate the rich cultural heritage and traditions, as well as galvanize Tooro’s cultural identity,” Minister Kamuli said.
The Government recognized the important contribution of the Obukama Bwa Tooro to the preservation and promotion of Uganda’s cultural heritage, identity, values, unity, and social development.
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