Tooro Kingdom finally has its new King – former TV anchor Edward Rukidi Kijanangoma – following an epic ‘Game of Thrones’ row over the succession.
Celebrations were seen in Fort Portal on Monday, with footage showing dancers performing, before locals carried flaming torches through the city after nightfall.
The ceremony on Tuesday saw events beginning at St John’s Cathedral before the new King and guests moved to Karuziika Palace for the official enthronement.
Dressed in traditional blue attire, Edward was crowned ‘King Edward Rukidi Nyabongo I’.
“My leadership will ensure that all of us cooperate, because united we stand. Therefore, when you support the Kingdom, the Kingdom will equally support you,” he told his subjects.
The 56-year-old former Uganda Broadcasting Corporation journalist succeeds his cousin, King Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru Rukidi IV, who died in August aged 34. Edward was selected by a 21-member committee from Tooro’s ruling Babiito clan following the hotly-disputed succession process.
The late King Oyo’s mother Queen Mother Best Kemigisa and sister Princess Ruth Komuntale claimed the late monarch left a written naming his young son as rightful heir – but this was overuled by the committee, who saw he was never formally presented or recognised according to traditional customs.
Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni backed the new King and joined the ceremony himself.
“I’ve been watching him on the news as a good news reader. So I’m sure he’ll do a good job in this,” he remarked.
Representatives of other traditional institutions also attended the ceremony.
“It is very important to promote our culture as well; then we can control the level at which Western cultures are influencing our African cultures,” noted Rwenzururu Kingdom spokesperson Reverend Kyomuhendo Bujyo.
Uganda abolished its traditional kingdoms in 1967 before restoring them in 1993. Monarchs including those of Tooro, Buganda, Bunyoro and Busoga retain significant cultural influence, but hold no executive or political authority under the constitution.