All about Edward Kijanangoma, the Ugandan journalist set to become Tooro king after bitter succession dispute
By Ascah Mwango, September 29, 2026Prince Edward Rukidi Kijanangoma Nyabongo II is preparing to take on a new role as the king of Uganda’s Tooro Kingdom, following a career spanning more than two decades in journalism and broadcasting.
The 56-year-old was selected to succeed the late King Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru Rukidi IV, who died in August 2026 after ruling the kingdom for 31 years. Kijanangoma’s appointment places him at the head of one of Uganda’s four officially recognised traditional kingdoms, where the monarch serves as a custodian of cultural heritage and traditions.
Before his selection, Kijanangoma was known to many Ugandans as a television journalist and editor at Uganda Broadcasting Corporation (UBC). His professional career, education and family background have since attracted attention as he prepares for his coronation.
Here are five things to know about the journalist who is set to become Tooro’s new king.
1. His early life and royal family background
Kijanangoma was born in 1970 and grew up in Kidukuru village in Fort Portal, a town in western Uganda that serves as the traditional home of the Tooro Kingdom.
He belongs to the Babiito royal clan, the lineage from which Tooro’s kings are traditionally selected. His grandfather was King George David Matthew Kamurasi Rukidi III, who ruled the kingdom from 1928 to 1965.
His family background also connects him to the late King Oyo, who was his cousin. Both men were descendants of Rukidi III, making Kijanangoma part of the royal family with a longstanding connection to the throne.
Although he grew up within the royal lineage, Kijanangoma pursued a career in the media before being selected to lead the kingdom.
2. His education at Makerere University
Kijanangoma pursued higher education at Makerere University in Kampala, where he studied Mass Communication.
He graduated in 1999, earning a degree that prepared him for a career in journalism, broadcasting and public communication.
His education provided a foundation for his work in television, where he later took on responsibilities as a news anchor and editor.
Makerere University has trained professionals in various fields across Uganda and the wider East African region, and Kijanangoma’s studies there marked the beginning of his professional journey in the media industry.
3. His career as a journalist and television editor
Kijanangoma built a career in broadcasting that spanned more than 20 years, working in both Uganda and neighbouring Rwanda.
During his time in Rwanda, he worked in television journalism, including as a news anchor and deputy chief news editor at Rwanda Television.
He later returned to Uganda, where he joined Uganda Broadcasting Corporation, the country’s state-owned broadcaster.
At UBC, he worked as a journalist, news anchor and editor, covering public affairs and national developments.
His work in the media brought him into contact with public officials, institutions and communities, while his editorial responsibilities involved overseeing news content and communicating information to audiences.
Following his selection as king, Kijanangoma said he intended to use the relationships he developed during his journalism career to support the people of Tooro.
4. How he was selected as the new king of Tooro
Kijanangoma’s selection followed the death of King Oyo, who ascended to the throne in 1995 at the age of three after the death of his father.
Following Oyo’s death, a committee of 21 members from the Babiito royal clan was tasked with identifying a successor.
The committee selected Kijanangoma, who was formally announced as the new king in September 2026.
His appointment, however, has been disputed by members of the late king’s family, who have claimed that Oyo left behind a young son who should succeed him.
Queen Mother Best Kemigisa has argued that the late king’s wishes should have been respected. The succession committee, on the other hand, has maintained that its decision followed the kingdom’s customs and traditions.
The dispute has drawn attention to the succession practices of the Tooro Kingdom as preparations for the coronation continue.
5. His role and responsibilities as king
Kijanangoma’s coronation is scheduled to take place at Karuziika Palace in Fort Portal, the official residence of the Tooro monarch.
The coronation ceremony follows traditional practices that include blessings from members of the Babiito clan and other rituals marking the transfer of royal authority.
As king, Kijanangoma will serve as the cultural leader of the Tooro Kingdom, which has a history stretching back several centuries.
Uganda’s traditional monarchs do not hold formal political authority under the country’s constitutional system. However, they retain cultural influence and play a role in preserving traditions, promoting community unity and representing their respective kingdoms.
Kijanangoma has said he intends to work with the people of Tooro on matters of unity and development.
His appointment marks a transition from a career in journalism to a position of cultural leadership within the royal family to which he has belonged since birth.