Journalist Edward Rukidi Kijanangoma declared new king of Tooro Kingdom

6-year-old Edward Rukidi Kijanangoma experienced the biggest change of his life after an ordinary working day. Kijanangoma, a journalist for the state broadcaster, was declared the new ruler of the kingdom overnight.

HE LOST HIS LIFE LAST MONTH

After the end of the 31-year reign, Kijanangoma's name came to the fore in the election for the throne. The 21-member committee from the Babiito clan appointed Kijanangoma as the new king after the death of 34-year-old King Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru Rukidi IV due to cancer last month.

The surprise decision was taken in the Tooro Kingdom, one of Uganda's traditional kingdoms.

FROM JOURNALISM TO THE TONE

After Kijanangoma was elected king, it was time for the traditional enthronement ceremony. Participating in the rituals that started at midnight, the new ruler reached the Karuziika Royal Palace after a traditional walk of approximately 4 kilometers.

With the coronation ceremony held here, the big change in Kijanangoma's life became official.

During the ceremony, a symbolic struggle was also held, symbolizing that the kingdom was not easily achieved. Kijanangoma was then blessed by members of the Babiito royal clan.

Thus, the 56-year-old journalist, who worked among cameras and newsrooms for years, suddenly rose to the highest position in the kingdom.

THE THRONE WAS NOT LEFT TO OYO'S SON

With the proclamation of Kijanangoma as king, the throne of the Tooro Kingdom passed to a branch different from the lineage to which King Oyo belonged.

However, there is another controversial detail behind the decision. It has been claimed that King Oyo had a young son and in his will, he wanted his son to ascend to the throne after him.

Oyo's mother, Queen Best Kemigisa, also argued that her son's will should be followed. Despite this, the 21-person committee did not change its decision and appointed Kijanangoma as the new king.

COMMITTEE'S FIRST CHOICE REJECTED THE THRONE

Before Kijanangoma's election, another name was on the agenda. The committee's first choice was 36-year-old Prince George Desmond Kamurasi, who lives in England. Kamurasi, who was a goalkeeper for the South East Dons football team, rejected the royal duty offered to him, stating that he had other responsibilities.

Thereupon, the committee's choice was in favor of Kijanangoma.