The newly appointed Omukama of Tooro, King Edward Rukidi Nyabongo I, has completed his first traditional ritual at the royal burial ground, marking another important step in the installation of the new monarch following the burial of the late King Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru Rukidi IV.

Palace sources confirmed that on Saturday evening, September 12, 2026, the 56-year-old king, formerly known as Prince Edward Rukidi Kijanangoma, carried out the mandatory cultural rites at Karambi Royal Tombs in Fort Portal. The ceremony took place in connection with the burial of his cousin, the late Rukirabasaija Omukama Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru Rukidi IV.

King Oyo, who had ruled Tooro for more than three decades after ascending the throne as a child, died on August 27, 2026, at the age of 34 while receiving cancer treatment at Baylor Scott & White Hospital in Dallas, Texas, United States.

The new Omukama was flanked by Charles Kayondo Kamurasi, the head of the Babiito royal clan (Omusuuga), along with several senior elders of the clan. Minister of Local Government Balaam Barugahara Ateenyi was also present during the rites. Although public display of certain burial rituals is traditionally restricted, palace sources later released photographs showing the new king with the Omusuuga, elders, and the minister.

After completing the ritual, King Edward Rukidi Nyabongo I waved to mourners gathered in a large tent before boarding a Toyota Land Cruiser. A uniformed soldier opened the vehicle door as crowds cheered him on his departure from the grounds.

The Babiito royal clan succession committee formally announced Prince Edward Rukidi Kijanangoma as the new king of Tooro on Wednesday, September 9, 2026. He is a son of the late Prince Christopher Paul Kijanangoma and a grandson of former Tooro king Sir George David Rukidi III. Before his selection, he worked as a senior news anchor and editor at the Uganda Broadcasting Corporation (UBC).

The performance of these initial traditional rites signals continued progress in the cultural processes leading toward the full enthronement of the 13th Omukama of Tooro.