Tooro seeks Shs 925m for Edward Nyabongo’s coronation

Tooro Kingdom has launched a Shs925 million fundraising drive to finance the coronation of its new king, Edward Rukidi Nyabongo I, as preparations intensify for his September 29 enthronement at Karuziika Palace in Fort Portal.

The fundraising campaign comes less than a month after the death of Omukama Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru Rukidi IV, who died in the United States on August 27 at the age of 34 after undergoing cancer treatment.

Edward, formerly known as Prince Edward Rukidi Kijanangoma, was selected by the 21-member Babiito Royal Clan succession committee to succeed Oyo. The Tooro Kingdom Supreme Council subsequently endorsed the decision on September 15, paving the way for his coronation.

The transition, however, has been accompanied by disagreements within the royal family over who should inherit the throne.

Members of Oyo’s family, including his sister Princess Ruth Komuntale, have questioned Edward’s selection, saying the late king left a will naming his biological son as his successor. The alleged son has not been publicly identified, while the Babiito clan has maintained that it followed the established traditional succession process in selecting Edward.

The dispute prompted government intervention during the period leading to Oyo’s burial, with Attorney General Sam Mayanja offering a legal opinion on the succession question. The government has since said the kingdom can proceed with preparations because no formal court challenge has been registered.

Edward, is a cousin of the late king and has worked as a journalist, news anchor and editor at Uganda Broadcasting Corporation. He was selected after the Babiito succession committee considered candidates to take over the throne following Oyo’s death.

Oyo became king in 1995 at the age of three and reigned for more than three decades, making his succession one of the most closely watched transitions in the history of the Tooro monarchy.

With the succession process now moving towards the coronation, the kingdom’s organising committee is appealing to subjects, businesses, friends of Tooro and other well-wishers to contribute towards the ceremony.

Alex Ruhunda, head of the finance committee, said an account had been opened at Centenary Bank to receive contributions towards the coronation. Members of the public can also contribute through mobile money.

Msgr Isaiah Mayombo, chairperson of the organising committee, said preparations for the ceremony were progressing and appealed to the people of Tooro and well-wishers to support the event.

The coronation rituals will begin on the night of September 28, when Nyabongo I is expected to leave Rwengoma Palace in a procession towards Karuziika Palace.

He will reportedly enter the palace through Mugabante, where he will take part in a traditional mock battle before proceeding into the palace for other customary rituals.

The main coronation programme on September 29 will begin with a church service at St John’s Cathedral in Fort Portal before the formal enthronement at Karuziika Palace. Traditional rituals will also include turning upright the royal drums that were turned upside down following Oyo’s death.

Richard Rwabuhinga, a member of the organising committee, said President Yoweri Museveni is expected to attend as chief guest. Invitations have also been extended to traditional leaders from Uganda and other countries, political leaders, businesspeople, academics and members of the public.

The September 29 ceremony is expected to formally mark the beginning of Edward Rukidi Nyabongo I’s reign, although the unresolved disagreement over Oyo’s alleged biological son continues to cast a shadow over the transition.

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