Tooro Kingdom has been hit by another death following the passing of Prince David Kijanangoma Araali, a prominent member of the Babiito royal family, after a long battle with throat cancer.

Prince David died at the Uganda Cancer Institute at Mulago on Tuesday, September 15, 2026, according to his associate Andrew Irumba, who had been speaking publicly on his behalf during his illness.

His death comes only days after the burial of his cousin, the late King Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru Rukidi IV, adding another loss to a royal family that has recently gone through a difficult period.

Prince David was the brother of Prince Edward Rukidi Kijanangoma Nyabongo I, who has been selected by the Babiito clan as the successor to the late King Oyo amid an ongoing succession dispute.

The prince had reportedly battled throat cancer for a long period and underwent treatment at both Nakasero Hospital and the Uganda Cancer Institute. His family later appealed for financial assistance when the cost of treatment became difficult to meet.

In April 2026, the family reportedly said that about Shs700 million was needed to facilitate further treatment in India. They said the prince had already spent substantial amounts on treatment in Uganda.

His condition attracted widespread public attention after photographs emerged showing him lying on the floor at Mulago while waiting for a hospital bed. The images prompted concern among members of the public and drew renewed attention to his health situation.

Irumba explained at the time that the prince had experienced difficulties securing a bed because of congestion at the hospital. He was later moved to a private room after the photographs circulated widely.

There were also reports concerning financial support that had allegedly been extended to the prince. Irumba said a monthly upkeep of Shs4 million, reportedly granted following a 2019 directive from President Yoweri Museveni, had not been received since April 2024.

According to Irumba, the prince had written several letters seeking intervention over the unpaid support. These claims were made publicly during the period when the prince was seeking treatment and should be understood as his representatives’ account.

Beyond his illness, David Kijanangoma was known across Tooro for his long and controversial history within the kingdom. His name became particularly prominent because of his challenge to the leadership of his cousin, the late King Oyo.

Prince David was the son of the late Prince Paul Kijanangoma, who was the eldest son of former Tooro King George Edward Rukidi III. This family connection made David a first cousin of King Oyo.

David spent part of his life in the United States during the 1990s, where he studied and worked. He also served as publicity secretary of the Ugandan North American Association before eventually returning to Uganda in 2007.

After returning to Uganda, he became involved in different activities, including working at one point as a taxi driver on the Fort Portal-Kasese route. His involvement in Tooro affairs later became increasingly prominent.

His confrontation with King Oyo became public around 2015 when he openly questioned the monarch’s leadership. David argued that Oyo was not sufficiently involved in the affairs of Tooro and criticised what he described as the influence of Queen Mother Best Kemigisa.

In March 2015, David proclaimed himself king and established himself at Rwengoma Palace in Fort Portal. The move triggered a major dispute, with authorities later arresting him on allegations that included inciting violence and criminal trespass.

David denied the allegations and was subsequently released on bail. The confrontation continued, however, as he prepared to hold his own coronation and maintained that he had a legitimate claim to the Tooro throne.

President Museveni intervened in July 2015 and directed David to abandon the planned coronation. Museveni maintained that Oyo was the legitimate king and warned that an attempt to remove him could create instability and violence.

David continued challenging Oyo’s authority for some time, while police reportedly stopped several attempts to organise a coronation between 2014 and 2016. His arguments were partly based on what he described as provisions in the will of former King George Rukidi III.

The long-running disagreement eventually changed direction. In 2017, David sought dialogue with King Oyo, and by February 2019 he had publicly declared peace with his cousin, bringing an end to years of open rivalry.

His death now comes at a particularly significant moment for the Tooro royal family, following Oyo’s death and the continuing debate over who should succeed him. Prince David’s passing therefore adds another chapter to a complicated period in the history of the kingdom.

As messages of condolence continue to reach the family, attention has shifted from the controversies that once surrounded Prince David to his long battle with cancer and his final days. He leaves behind a history that included royal rivalry, reconciliation, public service and a prolonged struggle with illness.