Queen Mother Best Kemigisa Akiiki’s old remarks about kingship have resurfaced at a time when Tooro Kingdom is facing a heated succession debate following the death of Omukama Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru Rukidi IV.

In the interview, Kemigisa explained that in Tooro culture, the position of the king is not determined by age, wealth or personal circumstances, but by the traditions and values attached to the throne.

“In our culture, there is no such thing as a young King. Whether you are young or old, rich or poor, you are a King,” Kemigisa said.

Her remarks reflected the traditional belief among the Batooro that once a person ascends to the throne, they carry the full responsibilities and respect of the institution regardless of their age.

The statement gained attention because King Oyo himself became Omukama of Tooro at only three years old following the death of his father, King Patrick Matthew Kaboyo Olimi III, in 1995.

At the time, many people questioned whether a child could lead a kingdom, but the royal family and supporters maintained that age could not diminish the authority of the throne.

Oyo was later crowned as one of the youngest reigning monarchs in the world, attracting international attention because of his young age.

Throughout his reign, Queen Mother Best Kemigisa played a major role in guiding and supporting the young king as he grew into his responsibilities.

She often defended the idea that leadership in Tooro was based on heritage, tradition and preparation rather than age alone.

Oyo went on to reign for more than three decades, becoming one of the longest-serving traditional leaders in Uganda’s history.

His death at the age of 34 in August 2026 opened a new chapter for the kingdom, with questions emerging over who should inherit the throne.

The succession debate has since involved members of the Babiito royal clan, the royal family and other stakeholders who hold different views about the rightful successor.

Some members of the royal family have pointed to what they say is King Oyo’s written will, which they argue provides guidance on succession.

The Babiito clan succession committee, however, selected Prince Edward Rukidi Kijanangoma as the next King-designate, saying the process followed traditional procedures.

The disagreement has created tension within the kingdom, with leaders calling for calm and respect as Tooro prepares to lay King Oyo to rest.

Queen Mother Kemigisa has repeatedly appealed for the focus to remain on giving her late son a dignified burial before engaging in succession discussions.

She has described Oyo as a king who served Tooro with dedication and built relationships within Uganda and internationally.

Her old statement about kingship has therefore returned to public discussion, with many people reflecting on Oyo’s own journey from a three-year-old child on the throne to a respected cultural leader.

As Tooro moves forward, the words of the Queen Mother continue to highlight the deep cultural meaning attached to the Omukama institution and the responsibility carried by anyone who sits on the throne.