By Sulyman Gobir
A succession dispute has erupted in Uganda’s Tooro Kingdom, days before the burial of its late king, Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru Rukidi the Fourth.
Royal clan elders have selected popular television news presenter Prince Edward Rukidi Kijanangoma as the new king.
But the late king’s family has rejected the decision, saying King Oyo left a will naming his young son as his successor.
His sister, Princess Ruth Komuntale, said the late king had given clear instructions on the succession and accused those behind the new appointment of creating confusion while the family was still mourning.
The late king’s mother, Queen Best Kemigisa, also alleged that royal guards had been withdrawn from the palace and soldiers deployed, restricting the family’s movement.
She has appealed to President Yoweri Museveni and the army leadership to allow the family to mourn and bury the late king in peace.
The royal clan, however, maintains that the succession followed Tooro customs, under which the king is chosen from the Babiito royal clan.
The clan said it selects Kijanangoma after consultations and due consideration.
King Oyo, who ruled Tooro for more than three decades, died in the United States last month at the age of 34 after receiving cancer treatment.
His body has been returned to Uganda, with thousands of mourners expected to attend his burial in Fort Portal on Saturday.
Tooro is one of Uganda’s traditional kingdoms and Its monarch has no formal political authority but serves as an important cultural leader.
Edited by Julian Osamoto
