King Oyo's sister Komuntale and Princess Bagaya reject 'heir' declaration
Komuntale revealed that whereas the issue of succession had been discussed at an earlier meeting chaired by Lt Gen. Henry Tumukunde, the Minister of Gender, Labour and Social Development, the decision was referred.
Princess Ruth Nsemere Komuntale (centre) addresses journalists at Karuzika Palace. [Photo by Jonan Tusingwire]
______________ Princess Ruth Komuntale (centre) addresses journalists at Karuzika Palace. [Photo by Jonan Tusingwire]
Princess Elizabeth Bagaya and several members of the Tooro Royal Family have rejected the announcement of Prince Edward Kijanangoma as the successor to Omukama Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru Rukidi IV.
Their disapproval was revealed on Wednesday night (September 9, 2026) in a televised interview at Karuziika Palace in Fort Portal.
Oyo's sister, Princess Ruth Nsemere Komuntale, also known as Omujwera Batebe or Princess Royal, on behalf of the group, quashed the declaration of Kijanangoma's pick announced by the team led by Omusuuga Charles Kamurasi.
Komuntale revealed that whereas the issue of succession had been discussed at an earlier meeting chaired by Lt Gen. Henry Tumukunde, the Minister of Gender, Labour and Social Development, the decision was referred.![Princess Ruth Komuntale (centre) addresses journalists at Karuzika Palace. [Photo by Jonan Tusingwire]](https://newvision-media.s3.amazonaws.com/cms/64c41f3a-3164-4995-931c-ec3c17d19084.jpg)
Komuntae said the announcement was inaccurate, arguing that her late brother left a will clearly stating that his son should be the next person in line to the Tooro throne.
“I would like to start by refuting the information that was provided today by the Babiito in that group led by the Musuuga. It is inaccurate,” Komuntare said.
King Oyo, she added, in his will gave details of his preferred successor, as well as alternative arrangements in case his first choice was unable to take over the throne.
“My brother left behind a will which stated very clearly that the next person in line is his son and also left any other instructions on any other successors who might take over just in case of Plan B,” she said.
She said the announcement took the family by surprise and has created confusion at a time when they are still mourning King Oyo.
“What happened today, we were taken by surprise, and we are very confused,” Komuntale said.
“It is very unfortunate that we have not yet buried our brother yet and they are bringing all this confusion, and we cannot even mourn my brother in peace,” she added.
“Please stop all this drama. For the sake of my brother, for the love of God, let us stop all this disunity and stay united,” Komuntale said.
In brief remarks, Bagaya urged the Tooro community to appreciate Komuntale's concern.
"Please listen to her. She has all my authority, support and love during this is a tragic time. Look at her first. Nobody else has the authority over her brother," she stated while stretching her hands towards Komuntale, who sat next to her
Princess Margaret Komubaizi, the assistant Batebe, in the same vein, described the declaration by Kamurasi's group as shameful.
According to Komuntale, their team had, at the meeting with the minister, proposed that any decision should be bound by the legal will of King Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru Rukidi IV, who died on August 27.
The tearing Komuntale called for peace and calm to enable the kingdom to honour the late king and the peace he advocated for.
She assured that the decision on the new king will be announced at the final Babiito clan (royal lineage) meeting on Thursday, September 10.