The Tooro Kingdom has entered a new chapter following the enthronement of Edward Rukidi Nyabongo I at Karuziika Palace in Fort Portal City.
The former Prince Edward Kijanangoma was formally installed as the new king on Tuesday, September 29, 2026, succeeding the late King Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru Rukidi IV, who died in August after 31 years on the throne.
President Yoweri Museveni, who attended the ceremony as chief guest, congratulated the new monarch and presented him with 100 Ankole cattle and a Runyankore dictionary.
The gifts came as Museveni called for the preservation of Uganda’s indigenous languages and cultural heritage, highlighting the role of traditional institutions in maintaining the country’s cultural identity.
Edward’s accession followed a succession process within the Babiito royal clan after the death of King Oyo. He was selected from the Kijanangoma lineage and later endorsed by the Tooro Kingdom Supreme Council, Rukurato.
The process also attracted recognition from senior government officials.
Lt. Gen. Henry Tumukunde Kakurugu, Minister of Gender, Labour and Social Development, thanked the Babiito clan for what he described as their cooperation during the transition, particularly praising Omusuuga, the head of the Babiito royal clan.
“I thank the Babiito clan for their great cooperation, especially Omusuuga, for remaining balanced, principled and selfless. Despite the circumstances under which he operated, which could have swayed him in either direction, he remained steadfast and principled.”
Edward is the son of the late Prince Christopher Paul Kijanangoma, grandson of former Omukama Sir George David Rukidi III and a cousin of the late King Oyo.
His installation was preceded by a series of traditional rituals that began during the night. The new king travelled from Rwengoma Palace to Karuziika Palace, where he underwent customary ceremonies associated with assuming the Tooro throne.
One of the key rituals was a symbolic mock battle at the entrance of Karuziika Palace. The ceremony represents the monarch’s responsibility to defend his people and face the challenges associated with leadership.
The installation also featured sacred rites, traditional foods and the sounding of Empango, the royal drum and one of the most important symbols of Tooro’s traditional authority.
By morning, the private rituals had given way to public celebrations, with thousands of people gathering at the palace to welcome the new king.
Edward now takes charge of a kingdom with centuries of history and a traditional leadership system in which the Babiito royal clan works alongside other clans responsible for cultural, spiritual and ceremonial duties.
However, his reign begins against the backdrop of modern challenges affecting the people of Tooro.
Residents and leaders have called for greater attention to youth unemployment, education, agriculture, environmental conservation and economic empowerment.
There are also expectations that the kingdom will create more opportunities for young people through employment, business and cultural activities. Some residents have called for the revival of initiatives such as the Masaza football tournaments to bring young people together and promote local enterprise.
Women leaders have similarly called for greater support for women’s economic groups, improved maternal healthcare and stronger participation in government development programmes.
The coronation has also brought increased economic activity to Fort Portal, with hotels, restaurants, transport operators, artisans and other businesses benefiting from visitors and dignitaries attending the historic event.
For King Edward, the celebrations mark only the beginning. His reign will now be defined by how the new monarch combines Tooro’s traditional heritage with the social and economic concerns of a younger generation.
As the kingdom welcomes its new king, attention will shift from the coronation ceremony to the priorities and direction of the new reign.
