His Majesty the Omukama of Tooro Edward Rukidi Nyabongo I,

By: Our Reporter

Prince Edward Rukidi Kijanangoma has been crowned King Edward Rukidi Nyabongo I, becoming the new Omukama of Tooro Kingdom in a colourful ceremony held at Karuziika Palace in Fort Portal City.

Nyabongo I succeeds the late Omukama Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru Rukidi IV, who died on August 27, 2026, at the age of 34 after battling cancer. Oyo had been king for 31 years, having ascended the throne in 1995 at the age of three.

The coronation brings to an end weeks of preparations and a contested succession process following Oyo’s death. Nyabongo I was selected by the Babiito Royal Clan and later confirmed by the Tooro Kingdom Supreme Council. His selection had faced objections from members of the late king’s immediate family over claims concerning a possible heir.

President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, who attended the coronation as chief guest, used the occasion to emphasise the importance of unity and a constructive relationship between the cultural institution and the central government.

The president also used the coronation of Omukama Edward Rukidi Nyabongo I to reflect on the new King’s past career as a television journalist, recalling the days when he watched him deliver news on television.

Museveni said he had followed Nyabongo’s career as a newsreader and was impressed by his clear delivery of news in English. The President then drew a light-hearted connection between the King’s former profession and his new responsibility as the cultural leader of Tooro.

“You were a good newsreader; now do a good job as King,” Museveni told his majesty king Nyabongo, drawing laughter and applause from guests at the coronation.

The coronation follows a night of traditional rituals that began with Nyabongo I’s procession from Rwengoma Palace to Karuziika Palace. Thousands of people accompanied the king-elect through Fort Portal, carrying reed-lit torches. At Mugabante, the main entrance to Karuziika Palace, a traditional mock battle symbolised the transfer of authority to the new king.

The royal drums and other regalia that had been turned upside down following King Oyo’s death were restored to their normal position as part of the traditional transition from mourning to a new reign.

Before the main coronation ceremony, Nyabongo I attended a church service at St John’s Cathedral in Fort Portal, where he received a blessing from Bishop Reuben Kisembo, in accordance with Tooro tradition. He later returned to Karuziika Palace for the formal enthronement.

Nyabongo I, a former journalist and news anchor at Uganda Broadcasting Corporation, becomes the latest cultural leader of the Batooro. Traditional kingdoms in Uganda have cultural roles but do not exercise political or governmental authority under the country’s constitutional framework.

The new king has previously pledged to promote unity among the Batooro, revive interest in Tooro’s cultural activities and continue development initiatives started by his predecessor.

He has also highlighted tourism as an important area for the kingdom’s development, saying Tooro has significant tourism potential that should be used to support the kingdom and its people.

The coronation marks a new chapter for Tooro Kingdom following the death of King Oyo and the beginning of Nyabongo I’s reign.