Tooro Kingdom is mourning the death of Prince David Kijanangoma, just days after the burial of the late King Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru Rukidi IV.
David, an elder brother of the recently announced successor to the Tooro throne, Prince Edward Rukidi Nyabongo Kijanangoma, reportedly died on Tuesday morning after battling throat cancer.
Journalist Canary Mugume announced the death in a post on X, citing a family member as the source of the information.
“Prince David Kijanangoma has passed away. He’s the elder brother of the new King yet to be gazetted, Edward Rukidi Nyabongo (Kijanangoma). David has been battling cancer, according to a family member,” Mugume reported.
The late prince had reportedly been receiving treatment in hospital as he battled the illness.
According to further reports, David had expressed ambitions of becoming King, with his reported desire being to unite the Batooro and rebuild Kingdom structures that he believed had been mismanaged.
His death comes at a sensitive time for the Tooro royal family, following the death and burial of King Oyo on September 12 and the ongoing disagreement over the succession.
The Babiito Clan Succession Committee has announced Edward Rukidi Nyabongo Kijanangoma as the successor to King Oyo, although members of the royal family have challenged the decision.
David’s death adds another loss to the Tooro royal family as the Kingdom continues to navigate the period following King Oyo’s death.
