Tooro Kingdom has fixed 29 September 2026 as the date for the coronation of Prince Edward Rukidi Kijanangoma Nyabongo I as the new Omukama.

The announcement was made on Tuesday by Omusuuga Charles Kayondo Kamurasi Akiiki, head of the Babiito clan, while speaking to journalists at Karuzika Royal Palace in Fort Portal.

Kamurasi said the decision followed a meeting of the Kingdom’s Supreme Council, the Orukurato, which formally endorsed the Babiito clan’s earlier choice of Prince Edward as successor to the late King Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru Rukidi IV.

“I want to inform you that the Orukurato has decided that the coronation of our new King Edward Rukidi Nyabongo I will take place on 29 September 2026,” he stated.

He added that preparations would begin immediately, with committees due to start work the following day.

“Our ceremonies to inaugurate him will begin on 29th September 2026. The Orukurato has welcomed the statement from the Babiito clan… and straight away confirmed and endorsed the new Omukama-to-be.”

Kamurasi urged all those involved in the arrangements to begin work without delay and invited members of the Tooro community who wish to learn more about the coronation to visit the palace.

The coronation will feature a series of traditional rituals.

These will begin with the new King’s arrival through Mugavante, where a mock battle will form part of the installation ceremonies.

The King is expected to “win” the mock battle in order to gain entry to the palace.

Once inside, further rituals will be performed and the Empango drums will be sounded to declare him Omukama.

Kamurasi noted that the Kingdom had not received any communication from the government preventing it from proceeding with the traditional installation.

The Orukurato had convened at Mucwa, the Kingdom’s headquarters, to receive the official announcement from the Omusuuga in line with Tooro’s succession customs.

During the same meeting, Kamurasi also informed the council that the keys to the royal palace were missing.

Prince Edward Rukidi Kijanangoma Nyabongo I previously worked as a journalist and news anchor at the Uganda Broadcasting Corporation (UBC).

His selection followed the death of King Oyo in the United States on 27 August 2026 and came amid an ongoing succession dispute involving members of the royal family.