Brief

Prince Edward Rukidi Nyabongo to be crowned king of Uganda’s Tooro Kingdom

A former editor and broadcaster has been chosen to become the next monarch of the Tooro Kingdom, following a succession dispute after the death of the boy king.

By Felo News Desk · Published Tue, 29 Sep 2026 09:14:29 GMT

A prince who spent many years as an editor and broadcaster with the Uganda Broadcasting Corp is set to be crowned king of the Tooro Kingdom in western Uganda on Tuesday. He will take the regnal name Edward Rukidi Nyabongo after performing overnight rituals and being ushered into the palace for his official unveiling.

The coronation follows the death of the former king, Oyo Nyimba, who died of cancer at the age of 34 in August. The passing sparked grief and a succession dispute, as the new monarch was not high in the line of succession. Elders from the Babiito clan selected Nyabongo from a pool of eligible princes.

Thousands of spectators are expected to attend the ceremony in Fort Portal, a remote town near the Congo border, and many more will watch the event on televised broadcasts. Traditional kingdoms in Uganda were banned in the 1960s after independence from Britain and were restored in 1993. While they hold no formal political power, traditional rulers are influential guardians of culture.

Key facts

Prince Edward Rukidi Nyabongo will be crowned king of the Tooro Kingdom (independent.co.uk)
He chose the regnal name Edward Rukidi Nyabongo (independent.co.uk)
The coronation will take place in Fort Portal, western Uganda (independent.co.uk)
The previous king, Oyo Nyimba, died of cancer at age 34 in August (independent.co.uk)
Traditional kingdoms were banned in the 1960s and restored in 1993 (independent.co.uk)

Background

The Tooro Kingdom is one of several traditional monarchies in Uganda that were abolished after independence but reinstated in 1993. The current succession dispute followed the death of the boy king, Oyo Nyimba, who was not high in the line of succession.</background>

Why it matters

The coronation marks the continuation of traditional cultural leadership in Uganda, despite the lack of formal political power, and reflects the enduring influence of monarchies in the region.