Tooro Kingdom Gets New King After Oyo’s Death

The Royal Succession Committee of Tooro Kingdom has selected George Desmond Kamurasi, 36, as the next King of Tooro, succeeding his late cousin, King Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru Rukidi IV, who died on August 26, 2026, in Texas, United States.
The decision was reached on Friday, September 4, during a meeting held at Fort Motel in Fort Portal City, where members of the succession committee gathered to consider the next occupant of the Tooro throne.
The 21-member committee was selected by the Royal Clan of Tooro, known as Ababiito, on August 28, 2026. It is chaired by Omusuuga Charles Akiiki Kamurasi and has been holding consultations and meetings on the succession since the beginning of the week.
During Friday’s meeting, which lasted from 11am to 3pm, 18 of the 21 committee members were present. Of those who attended, 15 voted in favour of George Kamurasi, giving him a clear majority.
George Kamurasi comes from the royal family and is the son of George Desmond “Jimmy” Mugenyi, the younger brother of the late King Patrick David Mathew Olimi Kaboyo II.
He was also reportedly named as the second in line to succeed his brother Olimi Kaboyo II, according to the will of their late father, His Majesty King George Rukidi III.
Following the committee’s decision, consultations were also held with senior government and security officials. The development was communicated to Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba, the Chief of Defence Forces of the Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces and chairman of the Patriotic League of Uganda, as well as Gen Kayanja Muhanga, the Commander of the Land Forces.
According to the statement announcing the decision, Gen Muhoozi endorsed the committee’s choice, saying it was in line with the customs, precedents and laws governing succession in Tooro.
The statement further said that President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni supports the decision of the Royal Succession Committee. The President reportedly sent a team led by a senior Cabinet minister to Fort Portal to consult with key stakeholders before the committee reached its decision.
Following the consultations, the team reportedly concluded that there was broad support for George Kamurasi’s succession to the Tooro throne.
However, the formal public announcement of the new King is yet to be made. The Omusuuga is expected to officially communicate the decision to leaders of the Babiito royal clan.
According to the customs of the kingdom, the public announcement is expected to take place after the burial of the late King Oyo.
The announcement of Kamurasi’s selection was made early to prevent speculation and confusion on social media over who would succeed the late monarch.
The selection now places George Desmond Kamurasi at the centre of the next chapter of the Tooro Kingdom, pending the formal announcement and the completion of the traditional succession process.