ANDREW MWENDA DEFENDS BABIITO SUCCESSION PROCESS AS TOORO DISPUTE DEEPENS
Ugandan commentator Andrew Mwenda has defended the Tooro Kingdom Babiito clan’s succession process amid the growing dispute over who should succeed the late Omukama Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru Rukidi IV.
In a lengthy statement shared on X on September 10, 2026, Mwenda said more than 100 Babiito princes and princesses gathered at Karuziika Palace on August 28 and selected a 21-member Royal Succession Committee to identify a new King.
He said four candidates were considered: George Desmond Kamurasi, George David Kamurasi, Edward Rukiidi Kijanangoma and a purported son of the late King Oyo.
According to Mwenda, the committee questioned the identity and background of the purported son after allegedly receiving different names for him and failing to obtain a photograph or details about his maternal family.
Mwenda said a secret ballot was later held, with George Desmond Kamurasi reportedly receiving 15 votes, while each of the other candidates received one vote.
He also disputed claims that Kamurasi rejected the throne, saying the prince instead requested time to consult his wife and business partners in London before the committee proceeded with another candidate.
Regarding King Oyo’s 2022 will, Mwenda said it referred to a hypothetical heir and argued that, under Tooro customs, being the biological son of a King does not automatically make one heir to the throne.
His comments come as tensions continue to rise within the Tooro royal family over the succession, with competing positions emerging ahead of King Oyo’s burial on September 12.