Police storm Tooro rival king palace

Prince David Kijanangoma (R) with his uncle George William Kagoro address journalists at Rwengoma King’s palace in FortPortal recently. PHOTO BY Ruth Katusabe

What you need to know:

Rightful king. Prince Kijanangoma moved a vote of no confidence against his brother King Oyo and announced himself as the King of Tooro.

Kabarole. Prince David Kijanangoma, the self-styled king of Tooro, has accused police of harassing him instead of keeping law and order.
Police led by Kabarole District Force Commander, Mr Musa Tibakirana stormed Rwengoma Palace last Wednesday morning and took away office and cultural properties.
Eight months ago, Prince Kijanangoma moved a vote of no confidence against his brother King Oyo accusing him of neglecting the Kingdom and his subjects, he announced himself as a King of Tooro.
Addressing the press, Prince Kijanangoma asked police to immediately return the property. He added that if police do not return them, he will take to the streets and demonstrate against the action.
He warned the police to desist from destroying or using Rwengoma Palace property.
“I have given police an ultimatum of 14 days to return our properties to my palace. If not, my supporters and I shall hold a peaceful demonstration against the police act,” said Prince Kijanangoma.
President Museveni set up a mediation committee led by Rev Bishop Reuben Kisembo to handle the issues of Tooro. The Rwenzori regional police spokesperson, Mr Bakari Mugah, said Prince Kijanangoma should not go ahead with carrying out cultural rituals since the mediation committee has not yet released a report.
The development comes at a time when Fort Portal Magistrates Court is hearing a case in which Prince Kijanangoma is accused of criminal tresspass. The court set December 3, as the date for final hearing of the case.
Prosecution alleges that on March 23, while at Alan’s Resort in Fort Portal, Prince Kijanangoma called a press conference and moved a vote of no confidence against King Oyo and proclaimed himself king of Tooro. He went ahead and declared the Rwengoma Palace as his new palace. This is where he has been conducting his coronation meetings and other related activities without the consent of King Oyo. Price Kijanangoma denies any wrongdoing and has set December 27 as the date for his coronation.