The Babiito Royal Clan has explained why the reportedly fathered by the late Omukama Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru Rukidi IV was not considered in the process of selecting his successor, saying Tooro succession is governed by established cultural procedures and the traditional recognition of royal children.
The clarification comes amid public debate over the succession of the Tooro throne, particularly reports that the late King left behind a son and other children who could potentially have been considered for the position.
In a statement issued by the Tooro Royal Succession Committee, the Babiito said the succession process cannot be based solely on claims made publicly or information circulating in the media.
According to the committee, royal children are traditionally expected to be introduced to elders and undergo the required cultural ceremonies and recognition.
The committee further explained that children who may eventually be considered for royal leadership are expected to receive appropriate upbringing, guidance and preparation for the responsibilities associated with leading the Kingdom.
The Babiito said they could not rely solely on reports about children allegedly fathered by King Oyo without the necessary traditional recognition and verification.
The clan, however, stressed that the decision was not intended to reject, disrespect or deny any child of the late monarch.
The committee said claims concerning the reported children, including the alleged son, require proper verification through the appropriate traditional channels rather than being determined through media reports or public assertions.
Following consultations on the succession, the Babiito Royal Clan selected Prince Edward Rukidi Kiianangoma as the successor to King Oyo.
The selection followed the reported decision by Prince George Desmond Kamurasi, who had initially been preferred, to decline the throne.
The decision has nevertheless generated debate, particularly among members of the late King’s royal family who have maintained that King Oyo left behind a son who could potentially qualify for consideration.
The identity of the reported son has not been publicly disclosed.
The Babiito, led by Omusuuga Charles Kamurasi, head of the royal clan, and members of the Royal Succession Committee, maintain that no such child was presented to them for traditional recognition or consideration during the succession consultations.
The clan’s position is that traditional recognition is an important part of determining which royal children can participate in the established succession arrangements.
The succession debate comes at a sensitive time for the Tooro Kingdom as preparations continue for the burial of King Oyo.
The Babiito have appealed to the people of Tooro and other stakeholders to remain calm and united, warning against allowing the succession process to create divisions within the Kingdom.
They have also called on the public to respect Tooro’s cultural institutions and allow the appropriate traditional authorities to address outstanding questions concerning the succession.
King Oyo died on August 27, 2026, in the United States, bringing to an end a reign that began when he was only three years old.
He was crowned Omukama of Tooro on September 12, 1995, following the death of his father, Omukama Patrick Matthew Kaboyo Olimi III.
King Oyo is being buried today, Saturday, September 12, 2026, which would have marked the 31st anniversary of his coronation.
The succession question now remains one of the most closely watched issues surrounding the transition of the Tooro Kingdom as the institution moves from the burial of the late monarch towards the formal enthronement of his successor.
