The government has formally recognised Edward Rukidi Nyabongo I as the Omukama of Tooro, with his recognition taking effect from 29 September 2026, the day he was crowned.
The recognition was published in the Uganda Gazette on 16 October under General Notice No. 2204 and signed on 12 October by the Minister of Gender, Labour and Social Development, Lt Gen (Rtd) Henry Tumukunde.
The notice states that Nyabongo’s recognition followed the completion of the Tooro succession process in line with the kingdom’s cultural norms, customs and traditions, leading to his selection, endorsement and coronation.
It cites Article 246(1) of the Constitution and Section 5 of the Institution of Traditional or Cultural Leaders Act, 2011, as the legal basis for the government’s declaration.
Nyabongo was crowned at Karuziika Palace in Fort Portal on 29 September, following the death of King Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru Rukidi IV on 27 August. President Yoweri Museveni attended the coronation ceremony.
Before his coronation, Nyabongo was known as Prince Edward Rukidi Kijanangoma. He adopted the name Edward Rukidi Nyabongo I after succeeding Oyo.
His succession followed disagreements over who should take over the Tooro throne following the late king’s death.
In his coronation speech, Nyabongo pledged to promote unity, preserve Tooro’s culture and work with the central government on development.
The government’s gazettement now places his reign within Uganda’s legal framework governing traditional and cultural institutions.
Under the law, traditional and cultural leaders are not allowed to exercise administrative, legislative or executive powers of central or local government, or engage in partisan politics while holding their cultural offices.
