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FORT PORTAL CITY, UGANDA — In a sacred blend of ancient Babiito customs, Anglican liturgy, and national statecraft, Omukama Edward Rukidi Nyabongo I was officially crowned as the 14th King of Tooro on Tuesday, September 29, 2026.
The ascension at the historic Karuziika Royal Palace brings to a close weeks of national mourning and succession debates following the untimely passing of Omukama Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru Rukidi IV, who died on August 27, 2026, in the United States after a 31-year reign.
Chosen by the ruling Babiito Royal Clan led by Musuuga Charles Kayondo Kamurasi Akiiki, the 56-year-old monarch—known to millions of Ugandans as veteran news anchor and broadcast journalist Edward Rukidi Kijanangoma—now takes custody of the 196-year-old kingdom.
How did the secret 24-hour night walk and ascension rituals unfold from Rwengoma to Karuziika?
The public coronation at Karuziika Palace on Tuesday afternoon represented the final act of a complex, 24-hour traditional procedure designed to transform a royal prince into the living Omukama.
The clock began following the burial rites of the late King Oyo at Karambi on September 12, 2026, where the designated heir dropped nine coffee berries (emwani) into the royal grave.
1. The Buhesi Cleansing and the Night Walk From Rwengoma
On the morning of Monday, September 28, 2026, the incoming king underwent the traditional okweeza cleansing ritual at Buhesi, using fresh milk and coffee beans. He was then escorted to Rwengoma Palace—the historic ascension palace from which three preceding Tooro kings (Rukidi III, Olimi III, and Oyo) departed prior to their installation.
At approximately 10:00 PM on Monday night, a traditional procession comprising male Babiito elders, royal guards (Abeganywa), and public figures—including Senior Presidential Advisor Balaam Barugahara Ateenyi and Kabarole District Chairperson Dr. Richard Rwabuhinga—departed Rwengoma on foot.
Carrying lit reed torches, the male-only procession navigated the dark streets of Fort Portal City toward the main Karuziika Palace. Dr. Rwabuhinga emphasized that, in accordance with Babiito custom, no women were permitted on the midnight ascension march.
2. The Mock Battle (Mugabante) and Spearing of the Bull
Reaching the gates of Karuziika Palace around 3:00 AM on Tuesday morning, the incoming king’s entourage encountered a staged mock battle (Mugabante or Kaswa) against traditional defenders holding the palace grounds.
Upon “defeating” the defensive line, the Omukama-designate speared a sacrificial bull at the palace entrance before entering the inner courtyard, while the general public remained outside the gates.
3. Turning Upright the Inverted Drums (Okujumuura Engoma)
Inside Karuziika Palace, traditional ritualists executed the symbolic restoration of royal authority:
- Uninverting Royal Regalia: Drums (Abajaguzi) and spears (Abeganywa) that had been turned upside down to signify national mourning following King Oyo’s death were symbolically turned upright (okujumuura engoma).
- Uncovering the Lions: Iconic stone lion sculptures at the palace gates, which had been draped in black mourning cloth since late August, were unveiled to signal the official start of the new reign.
- Vacating the Palace: The royal ritualist Muragwangoma, who had held physical custody of Karuziika since the late king’s passing, formally surrendered authority and vacated the grounds.
- Seating the Throne: Omukama Edward Rukidi Nyabongo I sat upon the royal throne and struck the ancient drum Butwarane—the sacred drum of Kaboyo Olimi I—nine times.
What transpired during the St. John’s Cathedral blessing service?
Following overnight anointing rites (Nyarwa) at Hamusanga—where the prince remained strictly silent until taking his coronation vows—Omukama Edward Rukidi Nyabongo I was driven through Fort Portal City to St. John’s Cathedral on Tuesday morning for an official Anglican blessing.
Presided over by the Bishop of Ruwenzori Diocese, Rt. Rev. Reuben Kisembo, the divine service brought together royal clan heads, central government officials, and clergy.
During the sermon, the officiating reverend presented the new Omukama with an official Holy Bible, charging him with righteous governance:
“Please use this book to rule the kingdom, and always follow the footsteps of the King of Kings,” the clergy exhorted the monarch.
The cathedral service concluded at exactly 11:30 AM, after which the royal motorcade returned to Karuziika Palace for the public reception.
What happened as President Museveni arrived at Karuziika Palace amid royal drumming?
By 11:51 AM, as light rain began drizzling over Fort Portal City, the Omukama arrived back at Karuziika Palace. Thousands of subjects gathered under color-coded tents and umbrellas as traditional royal trumpets (Amakondere) and percussion troupes (Abajaguzi) sounded deep honorifics in Rutooro. At approximately 12:10 PM, Chief Guest President Yoweri Kagwe Museveni arrived at the palace grounds, welcomed by kingdom officials and central government ministers.
Upon the President’s arrival, the brass band led the congregation in singing the Uganda National Anthem, the East African Community Anthem, and the Tooro Kingdom Anthem (Kalyoki Ka Tooro), opening the formal speech program.
The palace program featured key addresses from Fr. Isaiah Mayombo, Chief Prince Musuuga Charles Kayondo Kamurasi, security strategist Gen. Henry Tumukunde, Tourism Minister Col. Tom Butiime, the Omukama, and President Yoweri Museveni.
Why do cultural and religious leaders confirm Rebecca Amoding as the true Queen of Tooro?
Amid succession discussions surrounding royal lineages, both Babiito clan elders and religious leaders at St. John’s Cathedral firmly reaffirmed Queen Rebecca Donna Amoding as the legitimate, legally wedded wife and Queen consort (Nyinomukama / Omugo) of Omukama Edward Rukidi Nyabongo I.
- Cross-Cultural Unity: Hailing from Teso in Eastern Uganda, Queen Rebecca Amoding’s standing as Queen consort underscores Tooro’s historic openness to inter-cultural harmony across Uganda.
- Corporate Background: A corporate Human Resources executive, Queen Rebecca has maintained a dignified, private family life alongside her husband throughout his 20-year broadcasting career.
- Presence of the Queen Mother: The coronation ceremony was graced by the new King’s mother, Queen Mother Yusuta Amooti Kijanangoma, who sat alongside royal matriarchs during the palace enthronement.
What was “Kija’s” 20-year media career at UBC before inheriting the crown?
Before ascending the throne as Omukama Nyabongo I, Edward Rukidi Kijanangoma built a distinguished 24 year career in Ugandan media, serving as a main English news anchor, sub-editor, and talk-show host at the Uganda Broadcasting Corporation (UBC).
Former broadcast colleagues—including media personality Monday Akol Amazima—describe “Kija” as a principled, soft-spoken, and deeply religious journalist who never flaunted his royal lineage around the newsroom.
“Whenever you entered the gates of UBC, the name Kija was one of the most popular on the compound,” Monday Akol Amazima recalls. “He was an English bulletin news anchor who believed in strict deadlines. If you brought your script late, he would politely turn you away. Yet, despite being a prince from the prominent Kijanangoma branch of the Babiito clan, he lived a down-to-earth lifestyle, shared night transport vans with staff during COVID-19 lockdowns, and greeted colleagues using their traditional empaako pet names.”
Holding a Bachelor’s degree in Mass Communication from Makerere University (Class of 1999) and possessing prior media experience in Rwanda, Kijanangoma’s vast knowledge of regional geopolitics made his broadcast shows a household staple across Uganda.
Frequently Asked Questions About Omukama Edward Rukidi Nyabongo I
To assist researchers and readers seeking verified background details, below are authoritative answers to the most searched queries regarding the new King of Tooro:
Who is the father of Prince Edward Rukidi Kijanangoma?
Prince Edward Rukidi Kijanangoma is the son of the late Prince Paul Kijanangoma, who was the son of Omukama George David Matthew Kamurasi Rukidi II (who ruled Tooro from 1928 to 1965). This places King Nyabongo I directly within the royal lineage of King David Kasagama Kyebambe.
Who are the siblings of Prince Edward Rukidi Kijanangoma?
King Nyabongo I belongs to the prominent Kijanangoma royal family. His notable siblings include:
- Late Prince Patrick Happy Kijanangoma: A prominent Tooro royal figure who passed away in 1999.
- Late Prince David Kijanangoma: His younger brother who famously contested King Oyo’s administration in 2015 and occupied Rwengoma Palace. Prince David passed away on September 15, 2026, at the Mulago National Cancer Institute following a battle with esophageal cancer.
How old is Prince Edward Rukidi Kijanangoma (Age)?
Born in 1970 in Fort Portal City, Omukama Edward Rukidi Nyabongo I is 56 years old as of his coronation in September 2026.
Who is the wife of Omukama Edward Rukidi Nyabongo I?
The King is married to Queen Rebecca Donna Amoding, an Itesot corporate human resources professional from Eastern Uganda. Cultural and church leaders affirmed her position as the legal and recognized Queen consort (Nyinomukama) of Tooro Kingdom.
What is the educational background of King Nyabongo I?
He attended Kinyamasika Primary School in Fort Portal for his primary education, proceeded to St. Leo’s College, Kyegobe for secondary education, and graduated from Makerere University in 1999 with a Bachelor of Arts in Mass Communication.
Who are the children of Omukama Edward Rukidi Nyabongo I?
The King and Queen Rebecca Amoding have raised a private family away from public media scrutiny. In line with Babiito royal protocols, official details regarding royal children are managed quietly by the palace household.
What districts make up the Tooro Kingdom today?
Tooro Kingdom, located in Southwestern Uganda, encompasses the districts of Kabarole, Kyenjojo, Kyegegwa, Bunyangabu, and Kitagwenda, alongside Fort Portal City (the kingdom’s administrative and cultural capital).
