By Mariam Nanyanzi
Fortportal. Tooro Kingdom has yet again been thrown into an atmosphere of mourning ,days after burying Omukama Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru Rukidi IV.
The latest tragedy is the sudden death of Prince David Kijanangoma, elder brother to the new crown prince , Edward Rukidi Nyabongo.
Like Omukama Oyo Prince Kijanangoma also succumbed to cancer.
Crown Prince Edward Rukidi Kijanangoma announced the demise of his brother on Tuesday in a short message on X.
‘’It’s with a heavy heart that I announce the untimely passing on of my elder brother, Prince David Kijanangoma. Prince David has lost a long time battle to cancer.’’
The Tooro Kingdom assistant Musuuga Kato Rwakatale confirmed the death and said a detailed funeral programme would be released before the end of the day.
In a statement, the family said: “It is with deep sorrow that the family of Prince David Kiijanangoma announces his peaceful passing. Funeral arrangements will be communicated.”
The prince had reportedly been battling cancer for more than a year. In April, his family and friends launched a public appeal for financial assistance to support his treatment.
He reportedly needed about Shs700 million to access specialised cancer treatment in India after exhausting his personal savings on treatment in Uganda.
According to information available, Prince Kiijanangoma died at the Uganda Cancer Institute in Mulago, Kampala, where he had reportedly been receiving treatment for stage three throat cancer.
The death is said to have occurred earlier, but its announcement was delayed as the family, doctors and other relevant authorities awaited formal confirmation and declaration.
The dead prince had previously been at the centre of controversy within the kingdom.
He was accused by the Musuuga of allegedly plotting to overthrow the late King Oyo.
Kiijanangoma, however, publicly stated that he had ambitions of becoming king, arguing that he wanted to unite the Batooro and rebuild kingdom structures which he said had been mismanaged.
His younger brother, Prince Edward Kijanangoma Rukidi, was named the next King of the Tooro Kingdom, following the passing of Omukama Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru Rukidi IV.
His death came less than a week after the burial of Omukama Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru Rukidi IV, who died on August 27 and was buried at the Karambi Royal Tombs on September 12, and who also died of cancer, according to his mother
PRINCE DAVID
Prince David was a grandson of the late Omukama Sir George Rukidi III through his father, the late Prince Christopher Paul Kiijanangoma.
He was also the younger brother of the late Happy Kiijanangoma, who was killed in Fort Portal in 1995.
Prince David’s younger brother, Prince Edward Kiijanangoma Nyabongo I, was declared the successor to the late King Oyo by a section of the Babiito royal clan on September 9.
The declaration has, however, triggered a succession dispute, with members of the late king’s immediate family maintaining that Oyo’s son is the rightful heir and that the late king’s will should guide the succession process.
Prince David had previously been involved in disagreements during King Oyo’s reign.
Between 2014 and 2016, security operatives reportedly thwarted several attempts linked to efforts to block Oyo’s coronation.
In March 2015, Prince David was arrested and charged with criminal trespass in connection with allegations that he intended to overthrow his cousin brother, late Omukama Oyo.
In an effort to resolve disagreements within the royal family, Prince David and King Oyo met President Museveni at Njara State Lodge in Fort Portal in 2015.
Following the meeting, the President established a committee led by the late Bishop Reuben Kisembo of Ruwenzori Diocese to investigate the challenges affecting the Tooro Kingdom and make recommendations.
In April 2017, Prince David called for dialogue with King Oyo and sought President Museveni’s support in resolving their differences.
By February 2019, he had publicly declared peace with his brother.
Prince David also denied allegations that the government had bribed him, saying his actions were motivated by a desire to restore Tooro’s lost glory rather than personal gain.
As part of efforts to promote reconciliation, President Museveni directed the Ministry of Internal Affairs to offer Prince David employment and pledged support for his farming activities, including providing him with land.
Prince David’s death comes at a sensitive moment for the Tooro royal family, which is facing renewed disagreements over the succession following King Oyo’s death.