Prince Edward Rukidi Kijanangoma, a former journalist with Uganda Broadcasting Corporation (UBC), has been elected as the new Omukama (King) of Tooro, succeeding the late King Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru Rukidi IV.
Kijanangoma was selected by the Babiito Clan succession committee following the death of King Oyo, who passed away on August 26, 2026.
The announcement was made by Msgr Isaiah Mayombo, the Vicar General of Fort Portal Diocese, who confirmed Kijanangoma as the new Omukama.
Of the 21 members of the succession committee, 19 voted in favour of Kijanangoma, giving him a decisive majority in the selection process.
Kijanangoma comes from the royal Babiito family.
He is the son of the late Prince Christopher Paul Kijanangoma and a grandson of Omukama Sir George David Rukidi Kamurasi III, linking him directly to Tooro’s royal lineage.
Before his selection as King, Kijanangoma had built a career in broadcasting and journalism.
He worked with UBC TV for nearly 10 years as a news anchor, having earlier worked with a television station in Rwanda before returning to Uganda.
His transition from journalism to the throne marks a significant shift from the media world to the traditional leadership of the Tooro Kingdom.
Kijanangoma now takes over the leadership of the kingdom following the death of King Oyo, who had been Omukama of Tooro since 1995 after succeeding his father, King Patrick Matthew Kaboyo Olimi III.
The new Omukama is expected to assume the responsibility of providing cultural leadership to the Batooro after the burial of King Oyo.
