FORT PORTAL, UGANDA — Tooro Kingdom Queen Mother Best Kemigisa has made an emotional appeal for calm and unity as the kingdom faces growing tension over the succession to the throne following the death of King Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru Rukidi IV.
In a letter dated September 10, 2026, Kemigisa said she was writing “with a heavy heart,” recalling the difficult circumstances surrounding her husband, former Omukama Patrick Matthew Kaboyo Olimi III’s death and the subsequent struggle over the succession of their son, Oyo, who was only three years old at the time.
According to the Queen Mother, a similar succession dispute arose after her husband’s death, with some Babiito clan members arguing that the young Oyo was too young to become king. She said the matter eventually went to court, where Oyo’s succession prevailed.
Kemigisa also recalled losing her daughter, Cecilia, to leukemia several years later, saying the family received little support from the clan leadership at the time.
CONCERNS OVER KING OYO’S SUCCESSION
Kemigisa said her son went on to serve Tooro for 31 years and built strong relationships across Uganda and beyond. She credited President Yoweri Museveni for supporting Oyo and thanked the government for its efforts to bring the late king’s body back to Tooro and prepare for his burial.
However, she expressed deep concern over events that unfolded shortly before the planned burial.
She claimed that while the royal family was still mourning, a group of clan members announced that they had selected another king. Kemigisa said this came shortly after King Oyo’s will had been read before representatives of the royal family and government.
According to her account, the will clearly outlined an order of succession, and the parties had agreed to meet the following day under the chairmanship of then Minister of Gender, Labour and Social Development Maj. Gen. Henry Tumukunde.
She alleges that the subsequent announcement of another king disregarded both the will and the earlier agreement.
SECURITY DEPLOYMENT AT THE PALACE
The Queen Mother also raised concerns over the security situation at the palace.
She alleged that, three days before King Oyo’s burial, Gen. Kayanja Muhanga arrived at the palace, removed the royal guards without notice and deployed troops around the royal residence. She further claimed that the Musuuga was taken to an undisclosed location.
Kemigisa said the security deployment has prevented the family from freely leaving the palace or receiving visitors, describing the situation as “house arrest.”
She appealed to Gen. Kayanja Muhanga, UPDF leadership and President Museveni to allow the family the freedom and dignity to mourn and bury King Oyo peacefully.
“LET US GRIEVE AND BURY MY SON”
Kemigisa also appealed directly to those involved in the succession dispute to put the contest aside temporarily.
> “There will be time for all of that. Let us grieve and bury my son King Oyo,” she said.
She described Oyo as a good son and king who loved Tooro, served its people for 31 years and remained committed to his faith.
The Queen Mother concluded by asking that the late king be given the dignity and respect she believes he deserves in death.
KEY HIGHLIGHTS
Queen Mother Best Kemigisa has appealed for calm amid the Tooro succession dispute.
She says King Oyo’s will outlined an order of succession.
She claims another king was announced despite an earlier agreement to discuss the succession.
Kemigisa alleges that royal guards were withdrawn and troops deployed around the palace.
She says the security situation has restricted the royal family’s movement and visitors.
She has asked government and all parties in the succession dispute to allow the family to mourn and bury King Oyo peacefully.
TAKEAWAY
The Queen Mother’s letter adds a deeply personal voice to an increasingly contentious succession debate in Tooro. Her central message is that the dispute over the throne should not overshadow the immediate need to mourn and bury the late King Oyo with dignity.
The claims regarding the security deployment, the interpretation of King Oyo’s will and the succession process are presented as stated in Queen Mother Best Kemigisa’s letter and would require independent confirmation from the other parties involved.
