Prince Edward Rukidi Kijanangoma, a former journalist with the Uganda Broadcasting Corporation (UBC), has been selected as the new Omukama (King) of the Tooro Kingdom.

He succeeds the late Omukama Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru Rukidi IV, who passed away in late August 2026.

The announcement was made this evening by the Babiito clan succession committee at Karuziika Palace.

Monsignor Isaiah Mayombo, Vicar General of the Fort Portal Diocese, read the resolution on behalf of the clan leaders and the 21-member committee.

Of the committee members, 19 voted in favour of Prince Kijanangoma, giving him a clear majority.

In their resolution, the committee stated that they had been mandated by the General Meeting of the Ababito clan to identify a suitable successor.

After consultations, due diligence, and careful consideration under the leadership of Omujwera Musuga, the head of the Ababito clan, they resolved that Prince Edward Rukidi Kijanangoma be enthroned as the new Omukama of Tooro.

Prince Kijanangoma belongs to the royal Babiito family.

He is the son of the late Prince Christopher Paul Kijanangoma and a grandson of the late Omukama Sir George David Rukidi III (also referred to as George David Rukidi Kamurasi III), linking him directly to Tooro’s traditional lineage.

Before his selection, Kijanangoma worked as a journalist and broadcaster.

He spent nearly a decade at UBC Television after earlier working with a television station in Rwanda.

The formal enthronement is expected to take place in accordance with the traditions and customs of the Tooro Kingdom, following the burial of the late King Oyo.

King Oyo had reigned since 1995, when he succeeded his father, King Patrick Matthew Kaboyo Olimi III.

The selection comes at a sensitive time for the kingdom, with succession arrangements drawing close attention from members of the royal family, the Ababito clan, and Tooro subjects.

The committee emphasised that its decision was based on its mandate to identify a suitable candidate after the death of the previous Omukama.

Prince Edward Rukidi Kijanangoma is now set to assume cultural leadership of the Batooro people.