Prince Edward Rukidi Kijanangoma, a news anchor and editor at Uganda Broadcasting Corporation (UBC), has been chosen as the next monarch of the ancient Tooro Kingdom.
His selection was announced on Wednesday by leaders of the Babiito royal clan at Karuziika Palace in Fort Portal, the kingdom’s capital in western Uganda.
Kijanangoma was selected by a succession committee formed after the death of King Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru Rukidi IV, who died in the United States on August 27 at the age of 34 while receiving treatment for cancer.
The committee said it had conducted consultations and due diligence before endorsing Kijanangoma. A resolution signed by 19 members stated that he would be enthroned in accordance with the traditions and customs of the Tooro Kingdom.
Kijanangoma is the son of the late Prince Christopher Paul Kijanangoma and a grandson of former Tooro monarch George David Rukidi III. He has been a familiar face to Ugandans through his work presenting news for the state broadcaster.
He succeeds King Oyo, who became one of the world’s youngest monarchs when he ascended the Tooro throne at the age of three in 1995. His reign lasted more than three decades.
Preparations are under way for King Oyo’s burial at the royal tombs near Fort Portal, with the funeral expected to take place on Saturday. The formal enthronement of Prince Edward Rukidi Kijanangoma is expected to follow the kingdom’s established cultural procedures.
