The next King of Tooro will emerge through the kingdom’s established norms, values and traditions, not through an electoral process, the Head of the Babiito Clan, Akiiki Musuuga Charles Kamurasi, has said, ruling out a vote to determine the successor to the deceased Omukama Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru Rukidi IV.
“We will get a King. Tooro will get a new King in accordance with the Kingdom’s established norms, values and traditions, not through a vote. We will not vote for the next King, no,” Musuuga said.
His remarks come amid debate sparked by veteran journalist Andrew Mwenda’s post on X that a 21-member Royal Succession Committee, which Musuuga reportedly chaired, had settled on Prince George Desmond Kamurasi as its preferred candidate to succeed King Oyo.
The committee reportedly met at Fort Motel in Fort Portal City on September 4, with 18 of its 21 members in attendance. Fifteen members are said to have backed the prince’s candidature.
According to Andrew Mwenda, the Babiito clan, from which Tooro kings trace their lineage, reportedly constituted the succession committee on August 28, two days after King Oyo died in Texas, United States, aged 34.
The committee, comprising senior clan elders and kingdom officials, is reportedly mandated to identify the next Omukama, formally communicate the succession decision to relevant stakeholders and oversee preparations for the cultural ceremonies accompanying the transition.
Kingdom officials have consistently maintained that succession to the Tooro throne is a cultural matter governed by royal lineage, established customs and tradition, under the authority and custodianship of the Office of the Musuuga.
The position effectively rules out an electoral process in determining the next Omukama.
Queen Mother Best Kemigisa had informed President Yoweri Museveni that King Oyo had left behind a son who was heir to the throne.
Musuuga, who had refuted that position, has since emphasised that President Museveni is a valued stakeholder and voice in the matters of the Kingdom since his appointment as a “Mujwarakondo” and one of the regents who raised the departed Omukama Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Rukidi IV.
Speaking from Karuzika Palace in Fort Portal two days ago, Musuuga, who distanced himself from Andrew Mwenda’s reports, clarified that no Prince had been picked to succeed Omukama Oyo.
Under Tooro customary protocol, the formal announcement of the next Omukama is expected only after King Oyo’s burial.
“We have not yet reached the stage of choosing the King. The King will emerge in accordance with the Kingdom’s established norms, values and traditions, NOT through an election,” said Musuuga.
He further warned subjects of the Tooro Kingdom and other commentators against peddling fake news.
“The authority to make that announcement rests with the Musuuga,” he stressed.