Tooro rival prince charged over inciting violence, illegal meet

Kabarole- Police in Fort Portal have charged Tooro Prince David Kijanangoma with inciting violence and holding illegal meetings without seeking permission.
Prince Kijanangoma, a cousin of king of Tooro Oyo Nyimba Kabamba, was arrested on Tuesday with his relatives; Mr Jubilee Kamara and Mr Allan Kawaya Kagoro.
The trio was held for about three hours at Fort Portal Central Police Station and quizzed before they were released on bond at 9pm.
The district police commander, Mr Geoffrey Kaheebwa, ordered the arrest of the trio after they convened what he called an illegal press conference in Fort Portal Town on Monday.

“He (Kijanangoma) recorded a statement on the attempted impeachment of King Oyo. We cautioned him against causing chaos amongst the people of Tooro and we released him and others on bond,” Mr Kaheebwa said adding that: “They have been ordered to report to the police every Tuesday as we conduct more investigations.”

Claims throne
Addressing journalists on Monday, Prince Kijanangoma declared himself the rightful king of Tooro as he accused Oyo of abrogating the Tooro constitution and incompetence, among other issues.

Mr Kaheebwa said the trio had been holding meetings in Fort Portal Town without seeking permission from the police.

After his release, Prince Kijanangoma vowed to continue pushing for change in the kingdom.

In a statement issued by the kingdom’s prime minister, Mr Stephen Kaliba, King Oyo was not dethroned.
“Tooro kingdom would wish to clarify...that His Royal Majesty, Oyo Nyimba ..., is constitutionally and culturally the legitimate King of Tooro,” Mr Kaliba stated.

He added: “The allegations that the King of Tooro has been impeached are not only baseless and defamatory, but intended to create a smoke screen to mask the ...achievements of His Majesty and undermine the respect and integrity of Tooro Kingdom.”

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