Tooro Kingdom Queen Mother Best Kemigisa has appealed to the Government, UPDF leadership and members of the Babiito clan to allow the royal family to mourn and bury the late Omukama Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru Rukidi IV in peace, amid a growing dispute over the succession to the Tooro throne.
In a statement dated September 10, 2026, Queen Mother Kemigisa said she was writing “with a heavy heart” following the death of her only son, King Oyo, who died on August 27 after battling cancer.
She said the current dispute reminded her of the succession battle that followed the death of her husband, the late Omukama Patrick Mathew Kaboyo, when Oyo was only three years old.
“I was 26 when my husband died. I was in the UK treating my young daughter Cecilia. Oyo was only two years old,” she said.
According to Kemigisa, following her husband’s death, some members of the Babiito clan opposed Oyo’s succession on grounds that he was too young to become King.
She said the matter was taken to court and Oyo eventually prevailed.
The Queen Mother said she later lost her daughter Cecilia to leukemia, adding that despite the difficult circumstances, Oyo went on to serve Tooro for 31 years.
“By the grace of God, my son went on to serve Tooro for 31 years. He made friends across Uganda and around the world. The people loved him and stood with him,” she said.
Kemigisa credited President Yoweri Museveni for supporting her son during his reign and said the President and Oyo worked together to build the Tooro Kingdom into what it is today.
Succession dispute erupts
The Queen Mother said the latest succession dispute began even before Oyo’s body had reached Fort Portal for burial.
She alleged that while the royal family was at Kyenjojo, they were informed that a group of clan members had selected another person to become King.
Kemigisa questioned the timing of the move, saying none of those involved had contacted her to express condolences or inquire about the wishes and plans Oyo had left behind.
“Not one of them had called me to say sorry for the loss of my son or ask about his will or plans King Oyo had left,” she said.
She further said that three days before Oyo’s burial, Gen. Kayanja Muhanga arrived at the Palace and removed the royal guards without notice, while troops were deployed around the Palace.
She alleged that members of the Musuuga were also taken away to an undisclosed location.
Queen Mother cites Oyo’s will
Kemigisa said Oyo’s will was read before representatives of the Royal Family and Government, including the Musuuga, Princess Komuntale, Princess Margaret Komubaizi, Father Oyo, Monsignor Father Mayombo and Maj. Gen. Henry Tumukunde, who represented the President.
She said the will clearly set out the order of succession to the Tooro throne and that the parties had agreed to meet the following day under the chairmanship of Gen. Tumukunde.
However, she said a group of clan members held a press conference later that same evening and announced their own choice for King.
According to Kemigisa, the declaration was made despite the contents of Oyo’s will and the agreement reached with the Government representative.
She described the development as particularly painful because it happened while her son’s body was still lying in the coffin.
“They could have done this anywhere else. Instead, they chose to jubilate while my son was still lying in his casket next to them. That is what has hurt us most,” she said.
Appeal to Museveni and UPDF
Kemigisa appealed to Gen. Kayanja Muhanga, the UPDF leadership and President Museveni to allow the royal family to mourn freely and give Oyo a dignified burial.
She said the security deployment around the Palace had restricted the family’s freedom to leave or receive visitors.
“We are under house arrest. I appeal to Gen. Kayanja Muhanga, UPDF leadership, and the President to allow our family the freedom and dignity to mourn and bury King Oyo in peace,” she said.
She also appealed directly to those involved in the succession contest to suspend their differences until after the burial.
“I also 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.
The Queen Mother described Oyo as a good son and a good King who loved Tooro and served its people for 31 years.
“Most importantly, he served God,” she said, adding: “Please allow us to send him home with the dignity and respect he deserves.”
The statement comes as tensions surrounding the succession of the Tooro Kingdom continue to unfold following the death of King Oyo, who had reigned since 1995.
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