The Government of Uganda has formally affirmed Prince Edward Rukidi Kijanangoma as the successor to the late Omukama Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru Rukidi IV, paving the way for his coronation as the new King of Tooro.

The new king will officially be known as His Majesty Edward Rukidi Nyaboongo I, Omukama of Tooro. His coronation is scheduled for Tuesday, September 29, 2026, at Karuziika Palace in Fort Portal City.

The confirmation was announced on Thursday by Minister of State for Gender and Culture Affairs Mary Kuteesa Kamuli during a press briefing at the Uganda Media Centre in Kampala.

Kamuli said the government had received official communication from Tooro Kingdom confirming that the succession process had been completed in accordance with the recognised customs, traditions and established practices of the kingdom.

According to the Minister, the Babiito Royal Clan, under the leadership of Omusuuga Charles Kayondo Kamurasi, selected Prince Edward Rukidi Kijanangoma on September 9 at Karuziika Palace. The prince was later presented to the Rukurato Rw’Obukama Bwa Tooro, the kingdom’s Supreme Council.

The Supreme Council endorsed the succession during its sitting at Muchwa on September 15, supporting the decision of the Babiito Royal Clan to have Kijanangoma succeed the late King Oyo.

Kamuli said the government had received the resolutions from the succession committee and the Rukurato, and therefore considered the customary, constitutional and statutory requirements for the transition to have been satisfied.

The Minister explained that the government’s role is guided by Article 246 of the Constitution and the Institution of Traditional or Cultural Leaders Act, 2011. She said the Ministry of Gender, Labour and Social Development is now processing the publication of the new king’s declaration in the Uganda Gazette.

President Yoweri Museveni has also confirmed that he will attend the coronation ceremony. The event is expected to bring together members of the Tooro royal family, cultural leaders, government officials and people from across the kingdom.

The coronation follows the death of King Oyo on August 27, 2026. As Tooro prepares to welcome its new king, Minister Kamuli called on all stakeholders to uphold peace, unity, dignity and respect for the Constitution, national laws and the customs and traditions of the people of Tooro.