Prince Edward Rukidi Kijanangoma Nyabongo II, a 56-year-old television news anchor and editor, has been selected as the new king of Uganda's Tooro kingdom. For many years, Ugandans knew him as a familiar voice presenting stories at the state broadcaster. Now, he is preparing for his coronation at the official Karuziika royal palace.
Tooro is one of Uganda's four main officially recognised historical kingdoms. Traditional kings in Uganda do not have political authority, but they hold strong cultural influence and command deep loyalty in their communities. Kijanangoma succeeds his cousin, King Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru Rukidi IV, who died from cancer last month at age 34. Oyo had ruled for 31 years after inheriting the throne as a three-year-old child in 1995.
The selection of Kijanangoma caused a dispute within the royal family. King Oyo's mother, Queen Best Kemigisa, argued that her late son left a young child in the United States who should inherit the throne according to Oyo's will. However, a committee of 21 royal clan members chose Kijanangoma instead, stating that the child was never publicly presented to them.
Uganda's government, including President Yoweri Museveni, backed the royal clan committee's decision and cleared the coronation to move forward. Another candidate, a goalkeeper for a British amateur football team, was also considered for the throne but turned down the offer due to other responsibilities. Upon accepting the title, the new king promised to focus on unity and community development, declaring that the royal palace will remain open to all people.