Edward Rukidi Kijanangoma, a former television journalist and broadcaster, has been crowned the new king of Uganda’s traditional Tooro Kingdom.
The 56-year-old prince was formally crowned in Fort Portal, western Uganda, on September 29, taking the royal name Edward Rukidi Nyabongo I. He succeeds King Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru Rukidi IV, who died in August at the age of 34.
Kijanangoma previously worked as a television news anchor and editor with the Uganda Broadcasting Corporation (UBC). He was selected by a 21-member committee of the Babiito royal clan from among eligible princes.
His coronation followed traditional ceremonies that included an overnight procession to the royal palace and a symbolic mock battle. Traditional drums and royal regalia that had been turned upside down following the previous king’s death were also restored to their normal position.
The succession had been disputed after the death of King Oyo. Members of the late king’s family said he had left behind a son whose identity had not publicly been disclosed and argued that the child should inherit the throne. The royal clan, however, proceeded with the selection of Kijanangoma.
President Yoweri Museveni attended the coronation ceremony. Uganda’s traditional kingdoms do not exercise formal political authority, but their monarchs remain important cultural figures and symbols of identity among their communities.
In his first address as king, Nyabongo pledged to serve as a unifying figure for the people of Tooro.
