King Oyo buried in Uganda as news anchor set to take throne
Uganda's Toro kingdom has buried King Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru Rukidi IV, long the world's youngest monarch, with news anchor Edward Rukidi Kijanangoma named successor after a bitter family dispute.
King Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru Rukidi IV has been buried at the Karambi Royal Tombs in western Uganda's Toro kingdom. During the ceremony, his named successor, state broadcaster UBC news anchor and editor Edward Rukidi Kijanangoma, cast nine coffee berries into the grave, formally marking the handover of power.
Oyo became internationally known in 1995 when he ascended the throne at age three, making him the world's youngest monarch at the time. He died last month at 34 in the United States, where he had been undergoing cancer treatment. The burial took place exactly 31 years after his coronation.
Uganda has an elected head of state but retains several traditional kingdoms that predate British colonial rule and are seen as pillars of cultural identity. At a church service before the burial, Oyo — who also served as a UN goodwill ambassador in the fight against HIV and Aids — was remembered as reserved yet good-humoured. His sister, Ruth Komuntale, said he never lost the playful spirit of his youth despite the weight of his responsibilities.
Royal guards in orange shawls escorted the hearse through the streets of the kingdom's capital, Fort Portal, with thousands of mourners joining the procession on foot.
Succession dispute
The burial followed days of internal conflict within the royal family. A committee of clan members selected Oyo's cousin, Kijanangoma, as king, but the late monarch's immediate family argued that his previously unknown son should inherit the throne, as they said his will specified. Oyo had never married, and the existence of a son only became public when his death was announced. Supporters of Kijanangoma's succession say the family has been unable to provide basic proof regarding the claimed son. The Church of Uganda's archbishop, Stephen Kaziimba Mugalu, urged unity, warning that grief-driven words could damage the late king's legacy.
The 56-year-old Kijanangoma, who kept a low profile during the dispute, is described by fellow journalists as quiet and humble. Along with the throne, he inherits substantial royal land holdings and government cash payments.
