A journalist has been unexpectedly named the next monarch of Uganda’s Tooro Kingdom after the death of Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru Rukidi IV, who was known as the "boy king" because he ascended the throne as an infant. A selection committee from Tooro announced that Edward Rukidi Kijanangoma, a cousin of the late king, would become the new crown prince. Kijanangoma is a news anchor and editor with Uganda’s state broadcaster, the Uganda Broadcasting Corporation. He is expected to be crowned this week, following the funeral of Oyo, which will take place on Saturday in a remote city near the border with the Democratic Republic of Congo. Oyo died of cancer and was unmarried at the time of his death. His passing has left many of his subjects grieving, as he had grown from a young child into a beloved leader for the ancient Tooro Kingdom. Tooro is one of five traditional kingdoms recognized by Uganda’s government, though they do not have formal sovereignty or political power. Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni had claimed that Oyo left behind an heir born out of wedlock, but the Tooro selection committee chose Kijanangoma instead. The decision was likely intended to appeal to traditionalists who value continuity and those who oppose another child ascending the throne. However, the choice could face controversy and even legal challenges if Oyo’s supporters feel excluded or upset by the decision. Oyo’s closest relative, his sister Ruth Komuntale, rejected the selection, saying she was “very disappointed” and described the move as “dramatic” and likely to cause division. She claimed Oyo’s will “clearly stated” that he had left an heir to his throne. Oyo was crowned king in 1995 at the age of 3, following the death of his father. He became a symbol of fascination and adoration for the people of Tooro, who watched him grow from a young child into a respected leader. At his coronation, he participated in traditional rituals, including a symbolic coming-of-age ceremony in which he successfully tossed nine coffee beans into his father’s tomb. Oyo was often described as a curious and charismatic figure, even catching the attention of world leaders like Nelson Mandela, who met with him during national events. Until he turned 18, he was guided by regents appointed by the kingdom. Uganda’s traditional kingdoms were once banned after independence from British rule, as a republican leader sought to unify the country. However, they were restored in 1993, and while they do not have political authority, they continue to play a cultural role as guardians of tribal traditions. Despite their lack of formal power, the monarchs of these kingdoms still hold significant influence within their communities. The selection of Edward Rukidi Kijanangoma as the next king of Tooro marks a new chapter in the kingdom’s history, one that may bring both continuity and controversy.