A long family dispute and drama is coming to an end in Uganda. Edward Rukidi Kijanangoma Nyabongo I, a 56-year-old veteran journalist, is set to be crowned the new king of the historic kingdom of Tooro. His accession to the throne, as a well-known face and newsreader on state broadcasting for many years, has sparked wide discussion across the country, the BBC reports.
Though known as a prince of Tooro, Kijanangoma has long been popular among Ugandans as a media personality. A graduate in mass communication from Makerere University, he worked as a television presenter and editor for more than two decades.
Tooro’s long-reigning king, Oyo Nyimba, died of cancer last month aged just 34. He took the throne in 1995 at the age of three, becoming known as the world’s youngest king.
After King Oyo’s death, a bitter dispute broke out in the royal family over the succession. The late king’s mother, Queen Best Kemigisa, claimed that he had willed the throne to his young son, who lives in Texas.
But the clan’s traditional 21-member selection committee rejected the claim, saying the alleged child’s legal or formal existence had never been made public. In line with custom, the late king’s cousin Kijanangoma was named the new king.
Traditional kings in Uganda have no direct political power but carry wide cultural influence in society. President Yoweri Museveni and army chief Muhoozi Kainerugaba have publicly backed the new king.
Kijanangoma said he wants to use his 22 years of experience and contacts in journalism for the development of ordinary people and the unity of the kingdom. His formal coronation, which began with traditional rites and rehearsals, is being completed at the historic Karuziika royal palace.
বাংলায় মূল প্রতিবেদন পড়ুন · Read the original Bengali report