By Kabuye Ronald
Prince Edward Kijanangoma Rukidi has been named the next King of Tooro following the death of Omukama Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru Rukidi IV.
The announcement was made on Wednesday evening by members of the Babiito clan at Karuziika Palace, the traditional seat of the Tooro Kingdom.
Kijanangoma, 36, is the son of the late Prince Christopher Paul Kijanangoma and a grandson of the former Tooro monarch, Omukama Sir George David Rukidi Kamurasi III.
His selection follows the death of King Oyo, who passed away on August 27, 2026, at the age of 34 while undergoing cancer treatment in the United States.
Oyo ascended the Tooro throne in 1995 at the age of three, becoming the world’s youngest reigning monarch at the time. He remained on the throne for more than three decades and became one of Uganda’s most prominent cultural leaders.
During his reign, King Oyo also served as a United Nations ambassador for HIV and AIDS advocacy and participated in several initiatives aimed at promoting health and improving the welfare of young people.
His death set in motion the traditional succession process within the Tooro Kingdom, culminating in the royal succession committee selecting Prince Edward Kijanangoma as his successor.
The new king is expected to lead the kingdom through the next chapter of its cultural and traditional affairs.
