Journalist crowned king in Uganda after bitter succession dispute
Edward Rukidi Kijanangoma has been crowned king of Uganda’s Tooro kingdom. The new monarch has long been a familiar face in the East African nation, where for many he was known not as the heir to the throne, but as a storyteller: a long-serving anchor and editor at the state broadcaster. But the 56-year-old – [...] The post Journalist crowned king in Uganda after bitter succession dispute…
Edward Rukidi Kijanangoma has been crowned King Edward Rukidi Kijanangoma Nyabongo I of Uganda's Tooro kingdom. The 56-year-old, previously an anchor and editor at the state broadcaster, has become a subject of media attention due to his controversial ascent to the throne. Tooro is one of Uganda's four recognized historical kingdoms.
The last king, Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru Rukidi IV, passed away last month from cancer at the age of 34. Kijanangoma had to perform various ceremonies and walk 4km to the official royal palace where he was crowned. The selection was disputed as tradition called for a recognized son of the late king to take his place, but no such son was found.
Oyo's mother, Queen Best Kemigisa, argued for the respect of his will, but the royal succession committee ignored her wishes. The new king has faced criticism and is now at the center of a succession dispute. Uganda's traditional kings have no formal political authority but retain cultural influence and command significant loyalty.
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