11/09/2026, by Senior Global Citizen Barnabas Taremwa Bwaniaga. The unfortunate death of His Majesty King Oyo Rukirabasaija and the ensuing struggle over the succession are becoming increasingly painful and divisive.
At a time of grief, I believe that we, as friends, cultured people and members of the Batooro community, have a responsibility to approach this matter with truth, fairness and respect—not with hostility, misinformation or favouritism towards either side. My position is simple: truth and justice must prevail.
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There is a misconception being advanced that a person cannot become a king while his father is still alive. That is simply not supported by the history of Bunyoro, Tooro and the Babiito dynasty.
One of the clearest historical examples is Kaboyo Olimi I, the first Omukama of Tooro. Kaboyo was the eldest son of Omukama Nyamutukura Kyebambe III of Bunyoro. Kaboyo established the independent Kingdom of Tooro while his father was still alive and reigning in Bunyoro.
The chronology is important: Nyamutukura Kyebambe III ruled Bunyoro from approximately 1786 to 1835.
– His son, Prince Kaboyo, rebelled and established an independent Tooro around 1822–1830.
– This means that Kyebambe III was still alive and reigning when Kaboyo became the first king of Tooro.
– Historical accounts further indicate that Kyebambe III instructed his forces not to kill his son Kaboyo during the conflict.
Kyebambe III died in 1835, several years after Kaboyo had established himself as the ruler of Tooro.
The historical relationship can therefore be understood simply: Nyamutukura Kyebambe III
Omukama of Bunyoro, Prince Kaboyo Olimi I,
Son of Kyebambe III → established Tooro → became its first Omukama.
Kaboyo did not wait for his father’s death before becoming king. His kingship arose from the establishment of a separate kingdom while his father was still reigning over Bunyoro.
Therefore, the assertion that “one cannot become king while his father is alive” cannot be presented as an absolute rule of Babiito history. Our own history provides an important example to the contrary.
I say this not to disrespect anyone, nor to take sides in a family or political dispute. On the contrary, I believe that our history should be respected precisely because it can help us separate fact from misconception at this difficult moment.
The death of King Oyo has already brought enormous pain to the royal family, the Batooro and the country. The last thing we should do is deepen that pain through misinformation, division or a struggle for power.
I therefore humbly appeal to all Batooro, the royal family and the Government of Uganda: let us handle the succession of the Kingdom of Tooro with dignity, wisdom, historical understanding and respect for the law and customs of the kingdom.
Above all, let us respect the Will of His Majesty Omukama Oyo Rukirabasaija. This is not about choosing one group over another. It is about choosing truth over misinformation, justice over expediency, and respect over conflict. May truth and justice prevail. Barnabas Taremwa Bwaniaga, Senior Global Citizen.
