The Tooro Kingdom Royal Succession Committee has explained why the reported children of the late Omukama Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru Rukidi IV were not considered in the process of choosing his successor.
Fr. Dr Charles Oyo Amooti, a member of the 21-member Royal Succession Committee, said the Babiito clan could not base succession decisions on public claims about children whose recognition had not followed traditional kingdom procedures.
According to Fr. Oyo, children born into the royal family are traditionally presented to elders through established ceremonies before they are formally recognised. He said the clan therefore follows its cultural structures rather than information circulating publicly.
The issue has attracted attention after President Yoweri Museveni said Queen Mother Best Kemigisa had informed him that King Oyo left behind a young son. However, the Tooro Kingdom has not publicly confirmed the identity or status of the reported child.
The succession process eventually resulted in the selection of Prince Edward Rukidi Kijanangoma as the new Omukama after the initial choice, Prince George Desmond Kamurasi, reportedly declined the position.
Fr. Oyo said the selection followed Tooro’s traditional succession arrangements and considerations connected to the wishes expressed in the will of the late Omukama Patrick Matthew Kaboyo II.
The decision has continued to generate debate, with some questioning why King Oyo’s reported children were not considered, while the succession committee maintains that the throne must be determined according to recognised cultural procedures.
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