Tooro Queen Mother Not Under House Arrest, Minister Assures

State Minister for Internal Affairs Juma Witonze Kiseka has clarified that Queen Mother Best Kemigisa of Tooro is not under house arrest.

Minister Kiseka explained that the increased security presence around the royal palace is a standard measure to ensure the safety of mourners and the royal family during the period of mourning for the late Omukama Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru Rukidi IV.

These statements come after Queen Mother Kemigisa alleged that she and other family members were under house arrest following the Babiito royal clan elders’ announcement of Prince Edward Rukidi Kijanangoma as the new king.

Kemigisa, alongside her daughter Princess Ruth Komuntale Nsemere and aunts Princess Elizabeth Bagaya and Princess Margaret Komubaizi, publicly opposed Kijanangoma’s selection. They asserted that the late King Oyo had left a will detailing the succession plan, naming his son as the rightful heir.

In response to her perceived confinement, Kemigisa had appealed to President Museveni and the UPDF leadership for intervention to restore her family’s freedom.

Minister Kiseka, however, dismissed the house arrest allegations, emphasizing that the security measures should not be misconstrued as restrictions on the royal family’s movement.

He urged the subjects of Tooro to remain calm and await further guidance from President Museveni, advocating for the succession process to be conducted with dignity and adherence to the kingdom’s customs. Kiseka also cautioned against any actions or statements that could incite disorder or exacerbate divisions within the kingdom.

Brig Ronnie Balya, Uganda’s ambassador to South Sudan, echoed these sentiments, calling for patience and unity among the people of Tooro during this period of mourning. He advised against divisive discussions and stressed that succession-related issues should be resolved through appropriate channels.

These calls for calm and unity arise amidst emerging disagreements concerning the succession process after the passing of King Oyo on August 27 in the United States, following a reign of over three decades.

Source: The Observer (Uganda)