Princess Ruth Komuntale, sister to the late Tooro King Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru Rukidi IV, has rejected the appointment of Prince Edward Kijanangoma Rukidi as the kingdom’s new Omukama, saying her late brother left clear instructions on who should succeed him.
Komuntale said King Oyo’s succession plans were contained in a 2022 Will, which she said must be respected before any decision is made on the next king.
“My brother did leave behind an heir to the throne, and that was very clearly stated,” Komuntale said.
She declined to reveal details of the Will, saying it was a confidential legal document whose contents could not be discussed publicly.
Her remarks came shortly after Prince Edward Kijanangoma Rukidi was announced as the new King of Tooro on 9 September, following King Oyo’s death in the United States on 27 August at the age of 34.
Komuntale said the announcement caught the late king’s family by surprise, particularly because they had just attended a meeting with General Henry Tumukunde, who was appointed by President Yoweri Museveni to help resolve disagreements within the royal family.
According to Komuntale, the meeting had gone well and the family believed the succession question was still being discussed.
“I thought the meeting was very successful and I thought everything was streamlined, only just to hear a few minutes ago that they have announced a new king,” she said.
She insisted that no decision had been reached on who would succeed King Oyo.
“Nothing has been set in stone. Nothing has been mentioned [about] who the next king is. That will be developed later,” she said.
Komuntale accused those behind Edward’s appointment of holding another meeting without informing the late king’s family. She described the development as unfortunate and divisive, particularly while the royal household is still mourning.
The disagreement centres on the contents of King Oyo’s 2022 Will, which members of his family say provides for the succession to the Tooro throne.
According to the family, the Will names King Oyo’s son as the first heir and successor, followed by Prince Komwiswa Yoweri, Prince Nyaika Solomon and Musuga Charles Kamurasi if the preceding heir is unable to take up the throne.
Komuntale said the family would now consult its lawyers and determine its next course of action.
“We might have to re-strategise, so we’ll be meeting with our legal counsel and just go over everything because now that they have gone ahead and done something totally different, we’re going to have to re-strategise,” she said.
She added that the family had been expected to hold further discussions with General Tumukunde, members of the Babiito clan and their lawyers to streamline the succession process.
Komuntale appealed to the people of Tooro to remain calm and honour the memory of King Oyo, whom she described as a peaceful and humble leader.
“For the love of my brother, just be at peace. He was a very peaceful man, a very humble man,” she said.
“I’ll continue to stand with my brother. May he rest in peace and let us grieve in peace.”
