In a last-minute move, two concerned Batooro individuals, Derick Alitugabira and Juliet Kangume, have petitioned the Fort Portal High Court to block the coronation of Prince Edward Rukidi Nyabongo I as the new King of Tooro. The petition, filed through their lawyers, Messrs Thomas and Michael Advocates, seeks an interim order restraining the installation scheduled for Tuesday, September 29, 2026. The applicants are also seeking to suspend all coronation proceedings until their main suit is resolved.
According to court filings, the petitioners argue that the selection process of Prince Nyabongo as the new king went against the explicit wishes of the late King Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru Rukidi IV. They claim that the late king left a written Will stating that his son should succeed him, or, if the son was unavailable, his cousin. This has led to a dispute over the legitimacy of Prince Nyabongo's selection.
The petitioners, who are represented by Walezi Wa Katiba, an organization that promotes the rule of law and good governance, have also sued Former Tooro Queen Mother Best Kemigisa Akiiki and the Attorney General. They are seeking to compel the two to produce the alleged heir to the throne, as per the late king's Will.
The court has yet to respond to the application, leaving the coronation ceremony hanging in the balance. The installation of Prince Nyabongo as the new King of Tooro is scheduled to take place on Tuesday, September 29, 2026. It is unclear whether the court will grant the petitioners' request for an interim order.
The dispute over the succession to the throne of Tooro has sparked controversy, with some questioning the legitimacy of Prince Nyabongo's selection. The late King Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru Rukidi IV passed away, leaving a vacancy in the throne. The Tooro kingdom has a rich history and cultural significance in Uganda.
The coronation ceremony of Prince Nyabongo was expected to take place in a few days, but the petition has thrown a spanner in the works. The kingdom's subjects and officials are eagerly waiting for the court's decision, which will determine the fate of the coronation.
The court's decision on the petition will have significant implications for the Tooro kingdom and its people. The kingdom plays an important role in Uganda's cultural and historical heritage.
Key points
- Two concerned Batooro individuals have petitioned the Fort Portal High Court to block the coronation of Prince Edward Rukidi Nyabongo I as the new King of Tooro.
- The petitioners claim that the selection process of Prince Nyabongo went against the explicit wishes of the late King Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru Rukidi IV.
- The court's decision on the petition will determine the fate of the coronation ceremony scheduled for September 29, 2026.
