Kijanangoma’s claims generated considerable debate within Tooro and attracted national attention, particularly because of his challenge to the authority of the young king.
Prince David Kijanangoma, a cousin of the late Omukama of Tooro, King Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru Rukidi IV, has died at the Uganda Cancer Institute in Mulago after battling throat cancer.
Kijanangoma, who became a controversial figure in the Tooro Kingdom succession debate, shot to prominence in 2015 when he rejected King Oyo’s leadership and declared himself the rightful King of Tooro.
He cited what he described as King Oyo’s incompetence and accused him of failing to properly manage the affairs of the kingdom.
Kijanangoma’s attempt to ascend the throne was blocked by the Government, which did not recognise his claim to the Tooro kingship.
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During the dispute, Kijanangoma made several allegations against King Oyo and his mother, Queen Mother Best Kemigisa, accusing them of selling off several kingdom assets.
He also accused the late King of abandoning his palace in Tooro and spending much of his time in Buganda, while further alleging that he had abrogated the Tooro Kingdom Constitution.
Kijanangoma’s claims generated considerable debate within Tooro and attracted national attention, particularly because of his challenge to the authority of the young king.
Despite the controversy surrounding his 2015 declaration, Kijanangoma remained a prominent member of the Tooro royal family.
His death brings to an end the life of a prince who became widely known beyond the kingdom after openly challenging the leadership of King Oyo.
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