From journalist to King: Prince Kijanangoma Nyabongo I to be crowned after dispute
Prince Edward Rukidi Kijanangoma Nyabongo I, who is set to be crowned king of Uganda’s Tooro kingdom later, has long been a familiar face in the country. For many Ugandans, he was known not as the heir to the throne, but as a storyteller, as a long-serving anchor and editor at the state broadcaster. But […] The post From journalist to King: Prince Kijanangoma Nyabongo I to be crowned after…
Prince Edward Rukidi Kijanangoma Nyabongo I, a 56-year-old journalist and former anchor and editor at Uganda's state broadcaster, is set to be crowned king of the Tooro kingdom. The coronation, which involves traditional ceremonies and a walk of about 4km (2.5 miles) to the royal palace, is expected to take place later this month.
However, the selection of Kijanangoma has sparked a succession dispute, as the late King Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru Rukidi IV had reportedly left a young son and a will specifying that the child should be the next king. The son, who is currently in Texas, has not been publicly revealed or recognized by the committee of 21 Babiito clan members who ultimately selected Kijanangoma.
The queen mother, Queen Best Kemigisa, has criticized the decision, stating that Kijanangoma's selection is an "announcement of a second king" made after the late king's will was read to the royal family. The government has backed Kijanangoma's coronation, with President Yoweri Museveni and his son, Muhoozi Kainerugaba, publicly supporting him.
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