President Yoweri Museveni has stepped into the growing disagreement within the Tooro Kingdom, directing Gender Minister and retired Gen. Henry Tumukunde to help bring the different sides together before the burial of the late King Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru Rukidi IV.
Tumukunde revealed the president’s directive while visiting Karuziika Palace to pay his respects following the death of King Oyo, who passed away in the United States on August 27, 2026, aged 34, after battling cancer.
According to Tumukunde, Museveni wants the dispute resolved before September 12, when the late monarch is expected to be laid to rest.
The intervention comes at a sensitive moment for the kingdom, with disagreements emerging over who could eventually take over the throne.
Tooro Kingdom Prime Minister has reportedly said that King Oyo left behind a biological heir. However, that claim has been questioned by Omusuga Charles Kamurasi, head of the Babito royal clan.
Kamurasi has said the royal clan is not aware of any biological son of the late King, adding another layer of uncertainty to an already delicate succession process.
For many people in Tooro, the issue is bigger than simply choosing a new King. It touches on tradition, the royal family and the future unity of the kingdom.
A 21-member committee from the Babito clan is currently handling the process of identifying and selecting the next King in line with Tooro customs and traditions.
With the burial only days away, government involvement is expected to focus on calming tensions and encouraging dialogue among the parties involved.
The hope is that the kingdom can give King Oyo a dignified farewell without the succession disagreements overshadowing the mourning period.
For now, the attention remains on the Babito clan committee as it works through the succession process, while Gen. Tumukunde takes on the task of helping find common ground among the competing sides.
