Kemigisa further alleged that the security deployment around the Palace had restricted the family’s movement and ability to receive mourners, describing the situation as being under “house arrest.”
FORT PORTAL — Tooro Kingdom’s Queen Mother, Her Majesty Best Kemigisa, has appealed to President Yoweri Museveni, the UPDF leadership and those involved in the kingdom’s succession dispute to allow the Royal Family to mourn and bury the late Omukama Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru Rukidi IV in peace.
In an emotional statement issued Thursday, Kemigisa recounted the challenges she faced when her son ascended the throne at the age of three following the death of his father, Omukama Patrick.
She said she was in the United Kingdom receiving treatment for her young daughter, Cecilia, when her husband died, forcing her to return home to bury him while simultaneously fighting for her son’s right to become king.
According to Kemigisa, some members of the Babiito clan argued that Oyo was too young to become king and that his father had left no will naming him as successor. They instead supported his uncle’s claim to the throne based on the will of the late Omukama Rukiidi.
The dispute went to court, where Oyo eventually prevailed and became king.
Kemigisa said the family suffered another tragedy several years later when Cecilia died of leukemia, adding that some of the clan leaders now involved in the succession dispute did not support the family during the loss.
“None of these clan leaders you saw today came to see us or helped us bury her,” she said.
She said Oyo went on to serve Tooro for 31 years, earning support from people across Uganda and abroad and working with President Museveni and other stakeholders to develop the kingdom.
Oyo died of cancer on August 27, 2026, leaving the kingdom facing a fresh succession dispute.
Kemigisa thanked President Museveni for ensuring that Oyo’s body was returned to Tooro with dignity. She also praised the UPDF Engineering Brigade for beginning work on the royal grave and roads leading to the royal tombs.
However, she said the succession controversy began even before the family reached Fort Portal, with a group of Babiito clan members announcing a new king.
On Thursday evening, the Babiito Selection Committee announced Prince Edward Kijanangoma as the successor to the late King Oyo. The announcement has been rejected by sections of the Royal Family, who have questioned the process and the legitimacy of the selection.
Kemigisa said none of those behind the announcement had contacted her to offer condolences or inquire about Oyo’s wishes regarding succession.
She also alleged that three days before Oyo’s burial, Gen. Kayanja Muhanga went to the Palace and removed the royal guards without notice, while troops were deployed around the premises.
She said the Musuuga was also taken away to an undisclosed location.
Kemigisa said Oyo’s will was later read at 4pm before representatives of the Royal Family and Government, including the Musuuga, Princess Ruth Komuntale, Princess Margaret Komubaizi, Father Oyo, Monsignor Father Mayombo and Maj. Gen. Henry Tumukunde, who represented the President.
She said the will clearly outlined the order of succession to the Tooro throne, after which the parties agreed to meet the following day under Tumukunde’s chairmanship.
However, Kemigisa said the Babiito group held a press conference later that evening and announced its choice of king despite the reading of the will and the agreement to reconvene.
She said the timing of the announcement was particularly painful because Oyo’s body was still lying in the Palace.
“They could have done this anywhere else. Instead, they chose to jubilate while my son was still lying in his casket next to them,” she said.
Kemigisa further alleged that the security deployment around the Palace had restricted the family’s movement and ability to receive mourners, describing the situation as being under “house arrest.”
She appealed to Gen. Kayanja Muhanga, the UPDF leadership and President Museveni to allow the family to mourn and bury Oyo without further disruption.
“I appeal to those fighting over the throne: please, there will be time for all of that. Let us grieve and bury my son King Oyo,” she said.
Kemigisa described Oyo as a good son and king who loved Tooro and served his people for 31 years.
“He was a good son. He was a good King. He loved Tooro and served his people for 31 years. Most importantly, he served God,” she said.
She urged all parties involved in the succession dispute to set aside their differences until after the burial.
“Please allow us to send him home with the dignity and respect he deserves,” she said.
