UGANDA — Tooro Kingdom in western Uganda has crowned journalist and television news anchor Edward Rukidi Kijjanangoma as its new Omukama, weeks after the death of the kingdom’s former monarch, King Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru IV.
Rukidi, a journalist and news anchor with the state-run Uganda Broadcasting Corporation Television (UBCTV), was crowned and installed on September 29, 2026, as His Royal Highness Agutamba Rukirabasaijja Edward Rukidi Nyabongo I.
His installation followed a dramatic overnight 2-kilometre, heavily guarded on-foot procession and a traditional mock fight with members of the ruling Babiito clan before he formally entered the Karuziika Palace, the seat of the Tooro monarchy.
The new monarch’s entry into the palace marked his first formal occupation of the Karuziika after the traditional rite, which involved a symbolic victory over the Babiito fighters.
The recently refurbished Karuziika Palace in Fort Portal Tourism City, set against the Rwenzori Mountains, was filled with supporters of the new king, members of the Babiito clan, traditional leaders from other kingdoms, invited guests and members of the public who gathered to witness the historic installation.
Rukidi, regarded as the first journalist to be crowned king in Uganda, was later formally prayed for at St John’s Cathedral in Fort Portal in a ceremony likened to the religious rites associated with the coronation of the British monarch at Westminster Abbey in London.
Religious leaders from various denominations, government officials, legislators, traditional rulers and choirs participated in the well-attended ceremony.
The Bishop of St John’s Cathedral, Rt. Rev. Kisembo, challenged the new Omukama to separate his personal property from institutional assets as part of efforts to strengthen administration and governance at the Karuziika.
He also urged the monarch to mobilise young people against drug abuse, idleness and HIV/AIDS, while promoting socio-economic development.
Accompanied by his wife, Rebecca Amoding Rukidi, the new king declared that the doors of the Karuziika Palace had been opened to the public and called on the people to participate in rebuilding the kingdom.
“The Karuziika is now wide open to the people; this is a people’s palace,” Rukidi said, drawing loud cheers from the gathering.
In a speech delivered in the presence of President Yoweri Museveni, the new king thanked his former employers at UBCTV, where he worked for 12 years, as well as his former colleagues in the media for their support and cooperation.
He pledged to promote unity and honoured the memory of the late King Oyo, whom he succeeded. He also expressed condolences to Queen Mother Best Kemigisa Akiiki, who was absent from the coronation, acknowledging the difficult period following the death of her son.
Rukidi called on the people of Tooro to work together with clans, religious leaders and other traditional kingdoms.
He also thanked President Museveni, the Chief of Defence Forces, Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba, the Uganda People’s Defence Forces and other security agencies for their support during the period following King Oyo’s death and leading up to the coronation.
The new monarch thanked the Babiito clan for entrusting him with the responsibility of becoming the next king, particularly his parent, Omujwera Musuuga Charles Kamurasi Akiiki, whom he credited with preserving the honour of Tooro.
He also acknowledged his wife, Queen Rebecca Amoding Rukidi Akiiki; Queen Mother Yusta Asiimwe Kijanangomaa Amooti; his maternal relatives; his elder, Isaaya Kalya Atwooki; religious leaders; the committees that organised the Empaago, or coronation; and the people of Tooro and Uganda.
Rukidi said the kingdom belonged to the people and must serve their interests, stressing that Uganda’s Constitution barred traditional institutions from interfering in government affairs.
He said the Tooro Kingdom must not discriminate against people on the basis of religion or other differences.
According to the new king, the kingdom would focus on preserving Tooro’s culture and traditions while supporting development, income generation and efforts to reduce household poverty.
He also pledged to promote the preservation of forests, wetlands and rivers, encourage parents to keep their children in school and help young people avoid habits that could undermine their future.
Rukidi said the kingdom would promote cooperation among its people and draw on individuals with knowledge and skills to develop new ideas for the future of Tooro.
He further pledged to support university graduates seeking employment and assist those who require further education, while maintaining cooperation with other traditional kingdoms.
President Museveni congratulated Rukidi on his ascension to the throne and urged traditional institutions to avoid conflicts with the central government.
Museveni also called on the new king to concentrate on preserving local languages and cultures, which he said were under threat from foreign influences.
The president further advocated the preservation of traditional practices, including the use of wooden utensils, which he said were healthier than plastic and ceramic alternatives.
Museveni recalled that, before the restoration of Uganda’s traditional institutions in 1993 following their constitutional abolition in 1966, his government had examined tensions between Pan-Africanists, Republican Nationalists and advocates of indigenous cultural institutions.
He said laws and regulations were subsequently developed to define clear boundaries for traditional institutions, limiting them to cultural promotion, community mobilisation, environmental conservation and related responsibilities rather than participation in politics and government administration.
