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Uganda Set to Bury Onetime ‘Boy King’ Whose Death Has Sparked a Succession Battle
Traditional Babiito rites will guide the burial and determine the next Omukama, with the incoming king casting nine coffee berries into the grave.
- On Saturday, September 12, 2026, thousands gathered in Fort Portal for the funeral of King Oyo Nyimba, who died last month at 34, concluding a nine-day mourning period for the traditional monarch.
- His death triggered an acrimonious succession dispute, with family members citing a will favoring his son, while Tooro elders announced prince Edward Rukidi Kijanangoma as successor.
- Ancient Babiito rituals govern the burial at Karambi Royal Tombs, requiring the successor-in-waiting to cast nine coffee beans into the grave one by one to secure his legitimacy.
- Amid the royal family's conflict, the Ugandan military increased security on Friday to prevent unrest, while Queen Mother Best Kemigisa stated the battle "undermined their ability to mourn."
- Following the burial, tradition requires a nine-day period before preparations for the enthronement of Kijanangoma, a news anchor at state broadcaster UBC, formally begin.
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At the age of three, Oyo was crowned king, at only 34 he died. Now the monarch in Uganda was buried with ancient rituals.
The Toronto Star+2 Reposted by 2 other sources
Uganda set to bury onetime ‘boy king’ whose death has sparked a succession battle
KAMPALA, Uganda (AP) — The funeral was underway Saturday in western Uganda for a traditional monarch who ascended the throne of the Tooro Kingdom as an infant in 1995 and died last month at 34, triggering a succession dispute that…
·Toronto, Canada
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Total News Sources36
Leaning Left8Leaning Right2Center6Last UpdatedBias Distribution50% Left
Bias Distribution
- 50% of the sources lean Left
50% Left
L 50%
C 38%
12%
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