President Yoweri Museveni has said the government will work with the new King of Tooro once the succession dispute is resolved through peaceful and legal means.
Museveni made the commitment in remarks delivered by Deputy Speaker Thomas Tayebwa during the burial service of King Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru Rukidi IV at St John’s Cathedral in Fort Portal on Saturday, September 12.
“When the issue of the new king of Batooro is resolved, we shall be happy to work with the new king as we did with His Highness Oyo,” Museveni said.
“I appeal to the Batooro to use peaceful and legal means to resolve this matter and also look for maximum unity instead of division,” he added.
The remarks indicate that the succession dispute remains unresolved despite the Babiito clan’s declaration that Prince Edward Rukidi Kijanangoma is the new King of Tooro.
Earlier in the service, Prince Charles Akiiki Kamurasi, the Musuuga and head of the Babiito clan, announced that Prince Edward would reign as King Edward Rukidi Nabongo I.
Kamurasi said the Babiito princes and princesses selected Prince Edward under his leadership. He maintained that the process followed Ugandan law and Tooro’s traditions and customs.
However, members of King Oyo’s immediate family have challenged the decision.
Museveni urged the people of Tooro to avoid divisions as they settle the disagreement.
He also paid tribute to King Oyo, describing him as a cultural leader who maintained a good relationship with the central government and mobilised his people for development.
The President said Uganda restored cultural institutions in 1993 to preserve traditions, languages and customs. He added that cultural leaders should not take part in politics or government administration.
