Oyo’s cousin declares himself king of Tooro

Prince David Kijanangoma adressing journalists at Allans Resort hotel in Fort Portal on Monday. Photo by Francis Tusiime

KABAROLE: The son of late Paul Christopher Kijanangoma, King Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru Rukidi IV’s uncle has disowned King Oyo and declared himself as King of Tooro on claims that he (King Oyo) has been incompetent.
He told journalists on Monday at Allan’s Resort in Fort Portal town that, “I disown King Oyo as a Mubiito and opt to take over the throne and organize Tooro Kingdom after realizing that the Kingdom is on a wrong track”.
He added, “Years back King Kazana Duhaga was over thrown by Nyaika King because of incompetence. He handed over to Kasagama, later to Rukidi Kaboyo (the father of King Oyo)”
He further said the late King Kaboyo’s will states that when the king does not work to the expectations of the people of Tooro, he can be dis-owned and the family of Jimmy Mugenyi, late Kijanangoma and Stephen Edgar Karamagi can take over the throne.
Kijanangoma alleged that King Oyo and his mother Best Kemigisa have sold off most kingdom assets, the king has abandoned his palace and opted to stay in Buganda and also abrogated the constitution of Tooro Kingdom.
“We have engaged our lawyers to go through the legal proceedings and we have already elected the new Tooro Kingdom Parliament, waiting for the date to declare officially and take over the Karuzika (palace)”
He said as the royal clan, the Babiito have tried to sort out things before in Tooro palace but no action has been taken adding, “ We have observed many wrong things in the kingdom like firing prime ministers without any consultation; the Babiito clan does not visit the king among others.”
“I call upon the people of Tooro to remain calm and peacefull to avoid violence, I have engaged some state officials to make sure everything becomes peaceful” he said, adding, “On December 23, 2013 we tried to help our King as the Babiito clan but he looked at us as nonsense”.
When contacted for a comment on the issue, both the Kingdom Prime Minister, Mr Stephen Kaliba and the Kingdom Deputy Information Minister Mr Vincent Mugume separately said, “No comment as of now”.