Journalist to be crowned king in Uganda after bitter succession dispute

Prince Edward Rukidi Kijanangoma Nyabongo II, who will be crowned king of Uganda’s Tooro kingdom, has been a known figure for many in the country. He was previously recognized as a storyteller and a long-serving anchor and editor at the state broadcaster. However, Kijanangoma, 56, has become a subject of media attention due to his unexpected rise to the throne, sparking controversy and reactions beyond Uganda.

Tooro is one of Uganda’s four main historically recognized kingdoms. King Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru Rukidi IV, the previous king, ruled for 31 years. He ascended to the throne as an infant and became the world's youngest monarch at just three years old. He died last month from cancer at the age of 34. The coronation ceremony, which begins at midnight, involves traditional practices, culminating in the actual crowning on a 4km walk to the royal palace.

However, the selection of Kijanangoma as the new king was not straightforward. Traditionally, the heir should be a recognized son of the late king. Oyo had left a young son and a will instructing that the child should be next in line. Yet, the son has never been revealed to the public, nor was he recognized by the 21-member Babiito clan committee. The late King Oyo never married, and little is known about his wife and son.

The late King Oyo's mother, Queen Best Kemigisa, argued that the late king's will should have been respected. Yet, the royal succession committee ignored her wishes, stating that their selection process complied with Tooro customs and traditions. The new king now faces a succession dispute, with Kemigisa and her relatives unhappy with the outcome. Kemigisa described the celebrations for the new king as taking place "only metres from where my son’s body lay."

The queen also mentioned that Oyo's son, who was in the US state of Texas, was due to return home but could not due to the tense and polarized succession dispute. The son is said to have not been presented to the public, leading to the belief that King Oyo did not leave a son behind. Kijanangoma, a cousin of the late King Oyo, was considered for the role along with several others, including Prince George Desmond Kamurasi, a football player. Kijanangoma promised unity and development during his acceptance speech.