Tooro King Edward Rukidi Nyabongo completes first traditional ritual
The newly appointed Omukama of Tooro, King Edward Rukidi Nyabongo I, has completed his first traditional ritual at the royal burial ground, marking another step in the installation of the monarch following the burial of King Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru Rukidi IV.
Minister of Local Government Balaam Barugahara Ateenyi (2nd left), newly appointed Omukama of Tooro Edward Rukidi Nyabongo I (centre), head of the Babiito royal clan (Omusuuga) Charles Kayondo Kamurasi (2nd right) and several elders as the new king performed his first traditional ritual at the royal burial ground on Saturday, September 12, 2026, following the burial of King Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru Rukidi IV. (Courtesy)
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Omukama Edward Rukidi Nyabongo I, set to be enthroned as the 13th king of Tooro, has performed the first task.
The newly appointed Omukama of Tooro, King Edward Rukidi Nyabongo I, has completed his first traditional ritual at the royal burial ground, marking another step in the installation of the monarch following the burial of King Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru Rukidi IV.
Palace sources said that on Saturday evening, September 12, the 56-year-old, known as Prince Edward Rukidi Kijanangoma, executed the mandatory requirement at Karambi Royal Tombs in Fort Portal at the burial of his cousin, Rukirabasaija Omukama Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru Rukidi IV.
Flanked by Charles Kayondo Kamurasi, the head of the Babiito royal clan (Omusuuga) and several elders, Rukidi on Saturday performed the cultural norms required before the “burial” of the departed king.
Minister of Local Government Balaam Barugahara Ateenyi (2nd left) shaking hands with the newly appointed Omukama of Tooro Edward Rukidi Nyabongo I (centre). (Courtesy)
Newly appointed Omukama of Tooro, Edward Rukidi Nyabongo I, in a group photo with several elders on Saturday, September 12, 2026, following the burial of King Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru Rukidi IV. (Courtesy)
Omusuga Kamurasi oversees all the funeral and succession rituals of the dead king.
Whereas public display of the burial rituals is forbidden, palace sources later released photos of the Kijanangoma in the company of Kamurasi, senior members of the Babiito clan and the minister of local government, Balaam Barugahara Ateenyi.
After a brief photo shoot, he waved to the mourners in a large tent before boarding a new Toyota Land Cruiser. A uniformed soldier opened the car door before the vehicle left the grounds as the crowds waved and cheered him.
On Wednesday, September 9, the Babiito royal clan succession committee announced Kijanangoma as the new king of the Tooro kingdom. His appointment was announced by Omusuuga Kamurasi.