Tooro kingdom names TV news presenter as new monarch after King Oyo's burial

A television news presenter has been announced as the new monarch of the traditional Tooro Kingdom in western Uganda, following the death of the late king. The kingdom’s council of elders, known as the Abakama, issued a statement naming the broadcaster as the successor, citing customary procedures that allow the council to appoint a ruler when a clear line of succession is not established.

The late king’s family, however, disputes the appointment, asserting that the monarch had privately designated a different heir before his death. Family representatives have called for a review of the council’s decision, emphasizing that the late king’s wishes should be honored according to both cultural norms and the kingdom’s own succession guidelines. The disagreement has prompted calls for mediation by senior traditional leaders and has raised questions about the balance between council authority and the expressed preferences of a reigning monarch.

The Tooro Kingdom, which maintains a ceremonial role within Uganda’s constitutional framework, is expected to resolve the succession issue through its established dispute‑resolution mechanisms. Until a consensus is reached, the council’s appointment remains provisional, and the kingdom’s leadership will continue to operate under interim arrangements.