Tooro Kingdom has set September 29, 2026, for the coronation and enthronement of Prince Edward Rukidi Kijanangoma as the new Omukama of Tooro.
Kijanangoma, who is expected to reign under the name King Edward Rukidi Nyabongo I, was endorsed as successor to the late King Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru Rukidi IV, who died on August 27, 2026.
The announcement was made by Musuuga Charles Kamurasi, head of the Babiito Royal Clan, following the endorsement of Kijanangoma by the Tooro Kingdom Supreme Council, also known as the Orukurato.
He is expected to become the 14th Omukama of Tooro.
Preparations for the coronation are already underway, with clans, county chiefs and kingdom leaders expected to organize for the ceremony.
The event is planned to take place at the Karuziika Royal Palace in Fort Portal, where traditional rituals are expected to form part of the enthronement programme.
Among the anticipated rituals is the king-designate’s entry through Mugabante, which involves a mock battle, before proceeding through the main entrance known as Omusanga towards the throne.
Further details about the full programme and other arrangements are expected to be announced by the kingdom.
Kijanangoma is a cousin of the late King Oyo and the son of the late Prince Christopher Paul Kijanangoma. He is also a grandson of former Tooro King Sir George David Rukidi III.
Before his selection, Kijanangoma spent years in the media industry, working as a journalist, news anchor and editor at Uganda Broadcasting Corporation (UBC).
His selection comes amid a succession dispute that emerged following King Oyo’s death, with members of the late king’s family previously questioning the process and pointing to a will they say provides for his son to succeed him.
The planned September 29 coronation therefore comes as the kingdom moves forward with preparations for a new reign while questions surrounding the succession process remain part of the wider public discussion.
