culture 6 September 2026 Daily Monitor (Uganda)
Babiito Clan Clarifies Tooro Succession Rituals for New Omukama
The Babiito royal clan has emphasized that the identification of the new Omukama of Tooro Kingdom will be revealed through traditional rituals, not public announcements. Key traditional practices surrounding the burial of the late King Oyo will signify the emergence of his successor. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/national/babiito-breaks-silence-on-new-omukama-5585448
The Babiito royal clan has clarified the process by which the next Omukama (King) of Tooro Kingdom will be identified, stating it will unfold through a series of traditional rituals rather than conventional public pronouncements.
According to Mr. Moses Musinguzi, spokesperson for the Babiito clan under the office of Omujwera Musuuga, the identity of the new king will become evident during the burial ceremonies of the late King Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru Rukidi IV, who is set to be buried on September 12.
“The new King will come to be known by the public through rituals. If the Babiito royal clan members have already identified him, by the day of burying the King on September 12, the prince will be one of those performing the rituals for burying the King,” Mr. Musinguzi explained.
He highlighted that one significant ritual involves placing nine coffee beans, known as Iziba, inside the grave. The prince who participates in specific succession rituals, such as crossing the Omusanga (a symbolic gate or threshold), will automatically be recognized as the new king. The process, known as Okujumura Butwarane, involves the new king being guided through palace gates by his maternal uncle and then handed over to the Omujwera Musuuga, who leads him across the Omusanga.
Following this, traditional ritualists, the Abajaguzi, will escort the prince into the palace. Inside, rituals will be performed on the royal regalia and the royal drum, which are turned upside down upon the king’s death. The procession continues to Akaswa, a small hill within the palace grounds, before concluding with the Amakondere, the royal dance.
Musinguzi also refuted claims circulating on social media about the clan having voted for a successor. He stressed that the selection is not a political election but a process where the Babiito clan identifies a suitable prince based on established customs.
He further cautioned the public against misinformation, noting that a newly established communication committee’s mandate is limited to providing updates on mourning activities and does not include announcing the new king. That authority rests solely with the Musuuga.