CDF MUHOOZI RECOGNISES NEW TOORO KING EDWARD RUKIDI NYABONGO I
Uganda’s Chief of Defence Forces, Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba, has publicly recognised Edward Rukidi Nyabongo I as the new Omukama of Tooro, wishing him a long and successful reign.
Muhoozi’s message comes just days after the burial of the late King Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru Rukidi IV, who died of cancer in August 2026 at the age of 34.
Edward Rukidi Nyabongo I, a former UBC journalist and cousin to the late King Oyo, was selected by the Babiito royal clan council as the 14th Omukama of Tooro.
His selection, however, has triggered a succession dispute, with members of Oyo’s family challenging the process and pointing to an alleged provision in the late King’s will concerning his successor.
The dispute has also complicated the formal recognition of the new monarch, with the government yet to formally gazette Edward as Omukama pending efforts to resolve the succession controversy.
Muhoozi’s public recognition of Edward adds a new twist to the unfolding succession saga as Tooro awaits clarity on the legal and traditional status of its new king.