Prince Edward Rukidi Kijanangoma: The Ugandan journalist who turned king amid a succession row

Prince Edward Rukidi Kijanangoma Nyabongo II, who is about to be topped king of Uganda’s Tooro kingdom later, has lengthy been a well-known face within the nation.

For many Ugandans, he was recognized not because the inheritor to the throne, however as a storyteller, as a long-serving anchor and editor on the state broadcaster.

But Kijanangoma, 56, has now turn into the topic of media consideration himself – his rise to the Tooro throne sparking controversy and widespread reactions past the nation.

Tooro is one in all Uganda’s 4 essential formally recognised historic kingdoms. For the final 31 years, it has been headed by King Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru Rukidi IV, who was as soon as referred to as a “boy king”, after ascending to the throne as an toddler.

Oyo turned king in 1995 on the age of simply three, following the demise of his father. Then the international stage’s youngest monarch, he dominated till he died final month from most cancers, aged simply 34.

The coronation is a day for celebration, involving conventional practices ranging from midnight. The new king then walks about 4km (2.5 miles) to the official Karuziika royal palace the place he’s topped.

A mock struggle follows, to indicate that kingship doesn’t come straightforward, and he’s then blessed by members of the royal Babiito clan, the Tooro kingdom’s Information Minister Charles Mwanguhya informed the BBC Focus on Africa podcast.

He performs different ceremonies that signifies his assumption of the throne, earlier than he sits on the throne and an precise crown positioned on his head to indicate his new authority, his new place as the brand new Tooro king.

But the choice of Kijanangoma as king was removed from simple.

According to custom, a recognised son of the late king ought to succeed him. Close members of the royal household mentioned Oyo had left a younger son and a will with directions that the kid needs to be subsequent on the throne.

But the son has by no means been revealed to the general public and nor was he recognised by the committee of 21 Babiito clan members who select the king and ultimately chosen Kijanangoma.

The late King Oyo was by no means publicly married, and little is understood about his spouse or their son.

Nonetheless his mom, Queen Best Kemigisa, argued that the late king’s will must have been revered.

However, the royal succession committee ignored her needs, insisting their choice course of was performed in accordance with Tooro customs and traditions.

The new king has thus discovered himself on the centre of a succession dispute, with Kemigisa and her shut family sad with the end result.