Ugandan broadcaster Edward Rukidi Kijanangoma chosen as new Tooro king

The Tooro Kingdom, one of Uganda’s five officially recognized traditional monarchies, announced that state broadcaster Uganda Broadcasting Corporation journalist Edward Rukidi Kijanangoma will become its next king after the death of Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru Rukidi IV at age 34. A selection committee chose Kijanangoma, a cousin of the deceased, as crown prince following a search, and his coronation is slated for later this week.

Oyo’s funeral, set for Saturday, is expected to draw tens of thousands of mourners near the Congo border. President Yoweri Museveni had earlier suggested the late king left an illegitimate heir, but the committee opted for Kijanangoma, a popular media figure, to ensure continuity. The late king’s sister, Ruth Komuntale, rejected the decision, citing the king’s written will that names a different successor, hinting at a possible legal challenge. Although the kingdom holds no formal political authority, it remains a key cultural institution restored in 1993 after a previous ban.