news 12 September 2026 The Observer (Uganda)
Late King Oyo Buried Amidst Succession Dispute and Ritual Tensions
Thousands mourned the late King Oyo of Tooro at his funeral, which was marked by a dispute over traditional burial rites and a reaffirmation of a new monarch amidst family opposition. The ceremony saw political and cultural leaders gather to honor the late king before his interment at the Karambi Royal Tombs. Source: https://observer.ug/news/king-oyo-buried-as-omusuuga-reaffirms-new-monarch
The kingdom of Tooro bids farewell to its late monarch, King Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru Rukiidi IV, as thousands of mourners gathered at St. John’s Cathedral in Fort Portal for his funeral service. The ceremony, attended by a wide array of dignitaries including political leaders, religious figures, and international representatives, preceded the solemn procession to the Karambi Royal Tombs for final burial rites.
The funeral service was led by Archbishop Stephen Kazimba Mugalu, with tributes highlighting King Oyo’s contributions and leadership. Notably, plans were announced to plant trees in the cathedral grounds in his memory, acknowledging his commitment to environmental conservation.
However, the proceedings were not without controversy. Reports indicate a delay in the burial due to a disagreement over traditional rites at the royal tombs. Queen Mother Best Kemigisa reportedly sought to participate in a ritual traditionally reserved for the head of the Babiito clan, leading to a standoff. Officials and royal guards escorted the Queen Mother and Princess Ruth Komuntale away from the burial site as efforts continued to finalize the ceremony, which traditionally must conclude by 3 pm.
This contention arises against the backdrop of a brewing succession dispute. Charles Kamurasi, the head of the Babiito royal clan, reaffirmed the selection of Prince Edward Rukidi Kijanangoma as the next King of Tooro, slated to reign as Edward Rukidi Nyabongo I. Kamurasi asserted that the selection adhered to both Ugandan law and Tooro’s cultural norms.
This reaffirmation faces opposition from some royal family members, including Queen Mother Kemigisa, Princess Ruth Komuntale, and Princess Elizabeth Bagaya. They maintain that the late King Oyo left a will designating his son as the successor, with alternatives provided. The internal family conflict continues to divide sections of the royal family and the Babiito clan, despite appeals for unity from governmental and cultural leaders.
Kamurasi also reflected on his personal role in King Oyo’s upbringing, having been entrusted with his care by the late Omukama Patrick Matthew David Kaboyo Olimi III. He lauded King Oyo’s developmental initiatives during his reign, despite being enthroned at the young age of three in 1995, becoming the world’s youngest reigning monarch at that time. The late king’s legacy is expected to endure within the kingdom.
Source: The Observer (Uganda)