Key facts
- Edward Rukidi Kijanangoma, a former TV news anchor, was crowned king of Uganda's Tooro Kingdom on Tuesday.
- He succeeds King Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru Rukidi IV, who died last month from cancer.
- Kijanangoma, 56, was selected by a 21-member committee from the royal Babiito clan.
- The coronation followed a succession dispute initiated by the late king's mother, who claimed he had an undisclosed son and heir.
- Uganda is a constitutional republic, but pre-colonial kingdoms like Tooro remain influential cultural symbols.
- Kijanangoma took the royal name Edward Rukidi Nyabongo I.
Edward Rukidi Kijanangoma, a former television news anchor, has been crowned the 13th monarch of Uganda's Tooro Kingdom, following a succession dispute. The coronation took place in Fort Portal on Tuesday.
Kijanangoma, 56, succeeds King Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru Rukidi IV, who died last month at age 34 from cancer. The succession was contested after the late king's mother, Best Kemigisa, claimed that Oyo had left behind a young son and a will naming him as his heir. However, a 21-member committee from the royal Babiito clan stated they were unaware of such a child and proceeded with the selection of Kijanangoma, who is Oyo's cousin.
Uganda is a constitutional republic, but four pre-colonial kingdoms, including Tooro, remain influential symbols of identity and heritage, despite lacking political power. Kijanangoma's enthronement involved traditional rituals, including the slaughter of a bull and the sprinkling of a hen's blood, and a mock battle for the crown. He has taken the royal name Edward Rukidi Nyabongo I.
Former colleagues at the state broadcaster UBC described Kijanangoma as humble and down to earth. The selection proceeded despite objections from Kemigisa and Oyo's sister, Princess Ruth Komuntale.