KAMPALA, Uganda -- Edward Rukidi Kijanangoma, a news anchor and editor with the Uganda Broadcasting Corporation, has been named the next monarch of Uganda's Tooro Kingdom. His selection follows the recent death of King Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru Rukidi IV, who was known as the “boy king” due to his early ascension to the throne.
Kijanangoma, a cousin of the late king, was chosen by a Tooro selection committee. He is expected to be crowned this week. The late King Oyo will be buried on Saturday in a funeral anticipated to draw tens of thousands of mourners. King Oyo died last month from cancer at the age of 34. He was unmarried at the time of his death.
Tooro is one of five traditional kingdoms in Uganda that are recognized by the government but do not hold formal sovereignty. These monarchs act as guardians of tribal culture.
Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni had previously stated that King Oyo left a young heir born out of wedlock. However, the Tooro selection committee proceeded with Kijanangoma's nomination.
The choice of Kijanangoma, described as a down-to-earth broadcaster, may appeal to those who favor continuity and oppose placing another child on the throne. However, the decision could also lead to controversy and potential legal challenges.
Ruth Komuntale, King Oyo's sister, expressed disappointment with the selection, telling local broadcaster NBS that it was "very dramatic, trying to bring division and turmoil." She asserted that King Oyo’s written will clearly stated he had an heir.
King Oyo ascended to the throne in 1995 at the age of 3, following his father's death. He was officially recognized as the world's youngest king at that time. He was guided by regents until he reached adulthood at 18. During his childhood reign, he met world leaders, including Nelson Mandela, and received support from Libyan leader Moammar Gadhafi.
Uganda's traditional kingdoms were abolished after independence from British colonial rule but were reinstated in 1993. While they are prohibited from engaging in partisan politics, they retain cultural influence.