The government has affirmed that the succession of Prince Edward Rukidi Kijanangoma as the new Omukama of Tooro followed the kingdom’s traditional procedures and said it is now processing his formal recognition in the Uganda Gazette.
State Minister for Gender and Culture, Mary Kuteesa Kamuli, announced the position on Thursday in Kampala while addressing journalists. She was flanked by the head of the Babiito Royal Clan, Omujwera Musuuga Charles Kamurasi, and the head of the publicity committee, Fr. Charles Oyo.
“The Government of Uganda therefore affirms that a clear and orderly customary, constitutional and statutory process for the transition and formal recognition of the new Omukama of Tooro has been satisfied,” Kamuli said.
She said the Tooro Kingdom had formally communicated the outcome of the succession process to the government, including resolutions from the Babiito Royal Clan and the kingdom’s Supreme Council.
“The ministry is accordingly processing the Gazette in accordance with the law,” she said.
Kamuli said the Babiito Royal Clan, under Kamurasi, selected Prince Edward Rukidi Kijanangoma on September 9 at Karuziika Palace in Fort Portal City.
The prince was subsequently presented to the Rukurato Rw’Obukama Bwa Tooro, the kingdom’s Supreme Council, which endorsed the succession during its September 15 sitting at Muchwa Kingdom headquarters.
“Following the completion of the succession process, Prince Edward Rukidi Kijanangoma was formally affirmed as the successor to the Obukama Bwa Tooro and assumed the official name and title of His Majesty Edward Rukidi Nyabongo I, Omukama w’Obukama Bwa Tooro,” she said.
The government’s position is grounded in Article 246 of the Constitution, which recognises traditional and cultural leaders in accordance with the culture, customs and traditions of the people.
Under the Institution of Traditional or Cultural Leaders Act, 2011, the minister is required to publish the declaration in the Gazette once a leader has been declared in accordance with custom.
The confirmation comes after weeks of public debate over the succession following King Oyo’s death on August 27, centred on who should succeed him and the role of his reported will.
Kamuli also confirmed that President Museveni will attend the coronation of Nyabongo I on September 29 at Karuziika Palace in Fort Portal City.
