Chief of Defence Forces Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba has announced his recognition of Prince Edward Rukidi Nyabongo I as the new Omukama of Tooro, calling on all stakeholders to focus on preparations for his coronation.

Gen Muhoozi made the remarks through his official X account, congratulating Edward Rukidi Nyabongo I and wishing him a long reign as the cultural leader of Tooro.

“My fellow Ugandans, the new Omukama of Tooro is His Majesty Edward Rukidi Nyabongo I. Long may he reign. God bless him always. God bless Tooro,” Gen Muhoozi posted.

In his message, Gen Muhoozi said that the Bachwezi had approved Edward Rukidi Nyabongo I, adding that he wanted discussions to move away from legal disputes and focus on the installation of the new king.

“The Bachwezi have approved him. And I don’t want to hear of court cases. I want to hear of a Coronation date,” he stated.

The announcement comes amid continued discussions and disagreements surrounding the succession of the Tooro throne following the death of the late Omukama Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru Rukidi IV.

King Oyo passed away in August 2026 after a long reign that began when he ascended the throne as a young child following the death of his father, Omukama Patrick Matthew Kaboyo Olimi III.

Following Oyo’s death, the Babiito royal clan began consultations to identify his successor in accordance with Tooro’s traditional succession arrangements.

The Royal Succession Committee initially selected Prince George Desmond Kamurasi as its preferred candidate, but reports indicated that he later declined the throne.

The process then moved to another candidate, Prince Edward Rukidi Kijanangoma, whose name was eventually presented as the successor to the late king.

The recognition of Edward Rukidi Nyabongo I has, however, been met with disagreement from some members of King Oyo’s immediate family.

Some members of the royal family have raised questions about the late king’s reported will and whether it should influence the succession process.

The debate has centred on claims that King Oyo left behind a biological son who some argue should have been considered in determining the next ruler of Tooro.

The Babiito clan, however, has maintained that the succession process followed the kingdom’s cultural traditions and procedures.

Gen Muhoozi’s statement adds a new political dimension to the ongoing discussions by publicly recognising Edward Rukidi Nyabongo I as the new Omukama.

His call for a coronation date signals a desire for the kingdom to move forward with the formal installation process.

The coronation of an Omukama is a significant cultural event in Tooro, marking the official assumption of royal responsibilities by the new king.

The announcement is expected to generate further reactions from members of the royal family, cultural leaders and other stakeholders involved in the succession debate.

Tooro Kingdom now faces the challenge of managing different views surrounding the transition while maintaining unity within the institution.

As preparations for the next stage continue, attention will remain on how the kingdom handles the concerns raised by various parties.

For now, Gen Muhoozi has declared his position that Edward Rukidi Nyabongo I is the new Omukama of Tooro and that the focus should shift toward his coronation and the future of the kingdom.