The planned coronation of Prince Edward Rukidi Nyabongo I as the new Omukama of Tooro has been thrown into uncertainty after a last-minute petition was filed at the Fort Portal High Court seeking to stop Tuesday’s installation ceremony.
The ceremony is scheduled for September 29, 2026, at Karuziika Palace in Fort Portal, where Prince Edward, formerly known as Edward Rukidi Kijanangoma, is expected to be formally installed as successor to the late King Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru Rukidi IV.
According to court documents reported by the Daily Monitor, Derick Alitugabira and Juliet Kangume, described as concerned Batooro, together with Walezi Wa Katiba, have asked the court to issue an interim order preventing the coronation from proceeding until their main case is determined.
The applicants, represented by Thomas and Michael Advocates, are challenging the succession process on the grounds that it allegedly goes against the wishes contained in a written will attributed to the late King Oyo.
Dispute Over King Oyo’s Alleged Will
The petitioners claim that Oyo’s will named his son as the next heir to the Tooro throne and provided for a cousin to succeed him in the event that his son was unavailable.
They have also brought former Queen Mother Best Kemigisa into the case, seeking an order requiring her to produce the alleged heir. The petitioners reportedly argue that she had previously stated that the late king left behind a son.
The claims remain part of the court dispute and have not been determined by the High Court.
Prince Edward was selected by the Babiito Royal Clan earlier this month before his selection was endorsed by the Tooro Kingdom Supreme Council on September 15. The kingdom subsequently announced September 29 as the date for his coronation.
The Attorney General had also earlier said the kingdom could proceed with preparations because, at that time, no formal court challenge had been registered.
That position has now been overtaken by the latest application filed on the eve of the planned ceremony.
Court Decision Could Determine Tuesday’s Ceremony
The petitioners want an interim order restraining the respondents from conducting or participating in the September 29 coronation, arguing that proceeding before the succession dispute is resolved could cause irreversible changes to the kingdom’s leadership.
As of Monday, September 28, the High Court had not yet determined the urgent application, leaving the status of Tuesday’s installation uncertain.
Meanwhile, preparations for the coronation have continued in Fort Portal, with traditional activities already underway ahead of the planned installation.
The court’s decision on the interim application will therefore be closely watched as Tooro awaits the formal installation of Edward Rukidi Nyabongo I.
