Uganda’s Tooro kingdom has named television news anchor Prince Edward Rukidi Kijanangoma as its new king, but the succession has been challenged by the mother of the late King Oyo Nyimba, just days before his burial.
The kingdom’s royal clan succession committee announced on Wednesday (September 9) that Kijanangoma, who is also the editor at state broadcaster UBC, had been selected to succeed Oyo.
However, Queen Mother Her Majesty Best Kemigisa said in a statement on Thursday, September 10, that the decision ignored her son’s will, which she said had clearly set out the order of succession to the Tooro throne.
Kemigisa said Oyo’s will was read on the day of his death in the presence of members of the royal family and government representatives, including the minister representing the president. She said those present had agreed to meet the following day to discuss the succession.
According to the Queen Mother, a group of clan members instead held a press conference that same evening and announced a new king while Oyo’s body was still at the palace.
