Queen Mother Best Kemigisa Issues Public Apology to President Museveni, Omusuuga Kamulasi, and Tooro Kingdom Over Royal Succession and Will Controversy
FORT PORTAL — In an unexpected move that has sent ripples across the Tooro Kingdom and the wider Ugandan nation, the Queen Mother of Tooro, Best Kemigisa, has publicly issued a heartfelt apology addressing recent controversies surrounding the royal family, the status of King Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru Rukidi IV, and disputes involving a contested royal will.
The public statement was formally addressed to the President of the Republic of Uganda, General Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, the Chief Prince (Omusuuga) Charles Kamulasi, and the entire populace of Tooro Kingdom (Abatooro).
Addressing the Succession and Royal Will Controversy
For days, tension had been brewing within the royal clan (Omuhinda) regarding the administration of the kingdom’s estate, the authenticity of testamentary documents left behind by past traditional leaders, and questions surrounding royal lineage and representation.
In her address, Queen Mother Best Kemigisa acknowledged the distress, confusion, and division that recent reports and legal disputes had caused within the kingdom. She specifically referenced the controversy surrounding a contested document—referred to as a “fake will”—which had created friction among clan leaders, royal lineage custodians, and state authorities.
“I stand before God, the people of Tooro, and the leadership of Uganda to ask for forgiveness for the misunderstandings, missteps, and grievances that have arisen,” the Queen Mother stated. She expressed deep regret for any actions or statements that undermined the dignity of the Oukama (Tooro Kingdom) or misled the public regarding the royal estate and succession claims.
Reaching Out to the Omusuuga and Royal Clan
A significant portion of the apology was directed toward Omusuuga Charles Kamulasi, the head of the royal clan who traditionally oversees royal succession, traditional rites, and dispute resolution within the ruling family. Relationships between the Queen Mother’s office and the Omusuuga had reportedly been strained over administrative decisions, the management of kingdom properties, and public claims regarding royal offspring.
Acknowledging the traditional authority of the Omusuuga, Queen Mother Best Kemigisa appealed for reconciliation and unity. She emphasized that the royal family must present a united front to preserve the cultural heritage of Tooro and protect the legacy of the late King Patrick David Matthew Kaboyo Olimi III.
Gratitude and Apology to President Museveni
The Queen Mother also extended a direct apology to President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, thanking him for his long-standing support of the Tooro Kingdom since the restoration of traditional institutions in 1993.
President Museveni, who played a central role as a guardian during King Oyo’s childhood following his ascension to the throne at age three in 1995, has frequently intervened to settle internal kingdom disputes. Queen Mother Best Kemigisa expressed regret for drawing the head of state into internal royal disagreements and family disputes involving disputed wills and claims.
She reaffirmed her appreciation for the central government’s ongoing support for Tooro’s cultural and economic development projects, assuring the President that steps are being taken internally to resolve all outstanding family and administrative matters.
A Call for Unity Among the People of Tooro
Addressing the people of Tooro (Abatooro), the Queen Mother called for calm, forgiveness, and renewed solidarity. She urged the youth and kingdom loyalists to refrain from spreading divisive narratives on social media and to support King His Majesty Edward Rukidi Nyabongo I as he starts his leadership
“Tooro is built on love, respect, and unity (Oukama),” she noted. “We must put behind us the false narratives, contested documents, and personal disagreements that divide us, and work together for the progress of our kingdom.”
The public apology has been welcomed by several kingdom elders and traditional leaders as a crucial first step toward restoring harmony within the royal court and ensuring stability across Tooro.