Prince David Kijanangoma
Tooro’s Prince David Kijanangoma Araali has died after a long battle with throat cancer, bringing another loss to the Babiito royal family barely three weeks after the death of King Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru Rukidi IV.
Kijanangoma died on Tuesday, September 15, 2026, at the Uganda Cancer Institute at Mulago, where he had been receiving treatment, according to his associate Andrew Irumba and members of the royal family.
His younger brother, Prince Edward Kijanangoma Amooti, who was recently selected as the new King of Tooro, confirmed the death in a statement.
“It’s with a heavy heart that I announce the untimely passing on of my elder brother Prince David Kijanangoma,” Edward said.
“Prince David has lost a long time battle to cancer,” he added.
The death marks another painful chapter for the Tooro royal family, which has been mourning the death of King Oyo, who died in the United States on August 27 at the age of 34.
A prolonged battle with cancer
Kijanangoma had battled throat cancer for several years and underwent chemotherapy at Nakasero Hospital and the Uganda Cancer Institute.
In April this year, his family appealed for about Shs700 million to facilitate treatment in India after he had exhausted his financial resources on treatment in Uganda.
His condition attracted widespread public attention after photographs emerged showing the prince lying on the floor at Mulago as he waited for a hospital bed.
Irumba, who frequently spoke on Kijanangoma’s behalf during his illness, explained that congestion at the hospital had prevented the prince from immediately securing a bed. He was later transferred to a private room after the photographs circulated online.
Irumba also claimed that a Shs4 million monthly upkeep allowance reportedly granted to Kijanangoma following a 2019 directive by President Museveni had not been paid since April 2024. According to Irumba, the prince had written several letters seeking presidential intervention.
From royal challenger to reconciliation
Before his prolonged illness, Kijanangoma was one of the most outspoken and controversial members of Tooro’s Babiito royal clan.
He was the son of the late Prince Paul Kijanangoma, the eldest son of former Tooro King George Edward Rukidi III, making him a first cousin of the late King Oyo.
Kijanangoma became deeply involved in Tooro affairs around 2012 and openly challenged Oyo’s leadership.
In 2015, he declared himself the rightful king and established himself at Rwengoma Palace in Fort Portal. He accused Oyo of being disconnected from the kingdom’s affairs because of his extended stays in Kampala and criticised Queen Mother Best Kemigisa over what he described as interference in kingdom affairs.
Police subsequently arrested him on allegations including inciting violence and criminal trespass. He denied the charges and was released on bail.
President Museveni intervened in July 2015 and urged Kijanangoma to abandon plans for a separate coronation, maintaining that Oyo was the legitimate king and warning that attempts to overthrow him could lead to violence.
The confrontation eventually subsided. In 2017, Kijanangoma sought dialogue with Oyo, and by February 2019, the two cousins had declared peace.
His death now comes as his younger brother Edward prepares to lead Tooro, adding another solemn moment to a royal family undergoing profound transition.
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