Prince Kijjanangoma in court over King Oyo trespass case
Prince David Kijjanangoma addresses subjects.
What you need to know:
The plot. Prince Kijjanangoma’s coronation as rival king of Tooro is set for December 27
Kabarole.
Fort Portal Magistrates’ court has set October 13, for the final hearing of a case in which Prince David Kijjanangoma, a self-proclaimed new king of Tooro Kingdom, is charged with criminal trespass on King Oyo’s Rwengoma Palace.
Court presided over by Chief Magistrate Samuel Emokor heard that on March 23, while at Alan’s Resort in Fort Portal, Prince Kijjanangoma called a press conference and moved a vote of no confidence against King Oyo and proclaimed himself king of Tooro.
Prosecution alleges that prince Kijjanangoma declared the Rwengoma Palace his, and that he has been conducting meetings, including those for his coronation, at the palace without the consent of King Oyo.
While testifying before court on Monday, the estate manager Tooro Kingdom, Mr Hassan Olimi, said prince Kijjanangoma camped at Rwengoma with intentions of dethroning King Oyo.
“We don’t understand what has been taking place in the palace. We have been hearing about meetings, but insiders say the coronation meetings have been going on, this is illegal and against the constitution of Tooro Kingdom,” he said.
Mr Olimi said Tooro Kingdom only recognises King Oyo as its legitimate leader.
“Traditionally, the king is born and not made. We have cultural norms and taboos and how a king is born in Tooro Kingdom. Culturally, King Oyo is the only King of Tooro,” he told court.
Mr Olimi also said on March 23, he went to Rwengoma palace and found Prince Kijjanangoma and his supporters insulting King Oyo.
The defence lawyer asked Mr Olimi whether Prince Kijjanangoma had authority to go to Rwengoma Palace, to which Mr Olimi answered in the affirmative saying Prince Kijjanangoma is a royal child and has rights to go to his relatives’ homes and hold meetings with them.
Drama ensued at Fort Portal court when Prince Kijjanangoma loyalist Dan Rubombora, who is claimed to be the king’s guardian, traditionally known as Omusuuga, adored Prince Kijjanangoma as a king. The people around looked amazed because no one knew who Mr Rubombora was referring to until Kijjanangoma stood up.
Chief magistrate adjourned the case until October 13 for the final hearing.
Prince Kijjanangoma has set December 27 as his date of coronation as the king of Toro Kingdom.
