A journalist is named king of a Ugandan monarchy that just lost its onetime ‘boy king’

KAMPALA, Uganda — A news anchor named Edward Rukidi Kijanangoma will become the new monarch of Uganda’s Tooro Kingdom after the death of their previous ruler at age 34. Kijanangoma, who works for the state broadcaster Uganda Broadcasting Corporation, was selected from a list of candidates by a selection committee. Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru Rukidi IV, the previous king, died of cancer and was unmarried.

The Tooro Kingdom is one of five traditional kingdoms recognized by the Ugandan government, though they do not have formal sovereignty. Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni had previously stated that Oyo left behind a young, unwed heir, but the selection committee chose Kijanangoma instead, citing continuity and avoiding another child on the throne.

The decision is expected to face opposition from Oyo’s family and could result in a legal challenge. Oyo had been the world’s youngest king since his coronation at age 3 in 1995, and his death has saddened many who admired his role as a guardian of tribal culture.