Former TV presenter crowned king of Toro in Uganda — Dawn

In the city of Fort Portal, Uganda, former television presenter Edward Rukidi Kijanangoma was crowned the 13th monarch of the Batoro people in the Kingdom of Toro. The new ruler, who is 56, took the regnal name Edward Rukidi Nyabongo I and succeeded King Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru Rukidi IV, who died in August at the age of 34.

Dawn reported, citing Reuters, on the ceremony. The previous monarch died in the United States, where he was being treated for angiosarcoma, an aggressive type of cancer. His death sparked a dispute over the successor: the late king’s mother said his previously unmentioned son had the right to the throne.

Clan decision

Kijanangoma, a cousin of Oyo Nyimba, was chosen by a committee of 21 representatives of the royal Babiito clan. A source familiar with the course of the dispute said Uganda’s central government secured this decision despite objections from the late king’s mother.

Uganda is a constitutional republic with an elected president, but four pre-colonial kingdoms remain as influential symbols of identity and heritage. They have no political power.

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Traditional ceremony

During a traditional ceremony in Fort Portal, the capital of Toro, a bull was slaughtered and chickens were sprinkled with blood. Nyabongo I walked to Karuziika Palace at night, between midnight and 3 a.m., and later took part in a symbolic battle for the crown.

Guests included Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni, traditional dancers and drummers. Earlier, the head of the Babiito clan, Charles Kyondo Kamurasi, who had exercised authority after Oyo Nyimba’s death, handed over power to the new king during a service at St. John’s Cathedral.

In his first speech, Nyabongo I said his task would be to protect culture, traditions, customs and proper conduct among the people. He also promised to unite his subjects to protect the environment. Previously, the new monarch worked as a news presenter and editor at the state broadcaster UBC.