Tooro Kingdom Succession Crisis After King Oyo's Death

The Tooro kingdom in Uganda is embroiled in a succession dispute following the death of King Oyo Nyimba on August 27, 2023, at the age of 34 in the United States due to cancer. The royal family's succession committee announced Prince Edward Rukidi Kijanangoma, a news anchor at UBC and cousin of the late king, as the new king.

However, Princess Ruth Komuntale, Oyo's sister, stated that her brother's will, dated September 14, 2022, specified that his son should succeed him. The will explicitly states that if he is survived by a son, he appoints him as the heir to the throne.

Queen Kemigisa, Oyo's mother, criticized the succession committee for their decision and claimed that the military had removed royal guards from the palace and placed the family under house arrest. The identity of the son remains unknown, with Prime Minister Armstrong revealing his existence but not providing details.

He called for calm amid the dispute.