By : Ibrahim Kigozi G
The announcement by Omujwera Musuuga Charles Kamurasi of the coronation of Prince Edward Rukidi Kijanangoma Nyabongo I as the new Omukama of Tooro has opened a new chapter in the kingdom—but it has also brought one unresolved question back into sharp focus: What happens to the reported will of the late King Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru Rukidi IV?
Musuuga announced that the coronation of Kijanangoma will take place on September 29, 2026, at Karuziika Palace in Fort Portal, after the Tooro Kingdom Supreme Council endorsed the Babiito royal clan's decision naming him as Oyo's successor.
The development comes only days after King Oyo was laid to rest at the Karambi Royal Tombs, bringing an end to more than three decades of his reign.
But the succession has not been without questions.
The will that refuses to disappear.
Before and after Oyo's death, reports emerged that the late King had left a will and that the document identified a biological son as an heir.
Photo : Showing an official paying respect to the late Omukama Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru Rukidi IV, whose succession and reported will remain central to the debate surrounding Tooro's throne.
That claim has complicated what would otherwise have been a straightforward transition between one reign and another.
The issue is particularly sensitive because Tooro's succession is governed by traditional processes in which the Babiito royal clan plays the central role. The Babiito have maintained that the selection of an Omukama follows established customs and is not comparable to a political election.
This creates a significant question for Tooro: If the late King expressed a preference or identified an heir in a will, how does that wish relate to the traditional authority of the Babiito to identify and install the next Omukama?
The answer is not automatically settled simply because a will reportedly exists. Its authenticity, contents, legal status and relevance to traditional succession would all matter.
Musuuga's announcement changes the situation.
The coronation announcement indicates that the traditional succession process has moved considerably forward.
The Supreme Council endorsed the Babiito decision on September 15, adding the kingdom's representative body to the succession process. However, reports indicate that the Ugandan government had not formally recognised Kijanangoma as king-elect at that stage.
Photo : Showing Prince Edward Rukidi Nyabongo 1 , who was announced for coronation as the new Omukama of Tooro, together with Hon. Minister of Local Government Hon. Balaam .B. and Members of Tooro's Babiito royal clan led by Omusuuga Charles Kayondo Kamurasi.
Musuuga has also said the kingdom was aware of a reported legal opinion concerning the succession but had not received communication preventing preparations for the coronation. �
For supporters of Kijanangoma's succession, the September 29 ceremony therefore represents continuity and the beginning of a new reign.
For those concerned about Oyo's reported wishes, however, the coronation date may increase the urgency of resolving any outstanding questions before the new king is formally installed.
A delicate Moment for Tooro.
The issue is bigger than a disagreement between members of a royal family. It touches on the relationship between custom, royal authority, family inheritance and the wishes of a deceased monarch.
The reported will does not simply disappear because preparations for a coronation have begun. At the same time, the existence of a reported will does not by itself establish who is entitled to the Tooro throne.
Photo : Showing the Karambi Royal Tombs , where th
That distinction will be important as the kingdom moves toward September 29.
King Oyo's burial closed one chapter of Tooro's history. The planned coronation of Nyabongo I is preparing to open another.
But before the new drums of the kingdom completely drown out the old questions, one issue remains: