The Karuziika Palace in Fort Portal
HABARI DAILY I Kampala, Uganda I Tension continues to grip the royal circles ahead of the slated inauguration of the new king next week, with the reported removal of curtains and other items from Karuziika Palace by Queen Mother Best Kemigisa raising fresh questions over the transition of power in Tooro Kingdom.
Footage shared on social media appeared to show empty windows inside the palace on September 21, prompting speculation that Kemigisa was removing property from the royal residence ahead of the coronation of King Edward Rukidi Nyabongo I.
Omuhamba Businge Akiiki, who shared the footage on X, claimed that the curtains and other items were being removed by the outgoing Queen Mother.
“Current status at Karuziika Palace, all things like curtains are being removed by outgoing Queen Mother Best Kemigisa,” Businge wrote.
Critics and members of the Babiito royal clan, including journalist Andrew Irumba, raised alarms after video footage surfaced showing bare windows and lorries loading up palace property, including bedding and plates. This fueled speculation regarding the outgoing faction’s response to the transition
However, former intelligence chief Gen David Sejusa has sought to downplay concerns surrounding the reported clearance, arguing that the removal of items from a royal residence can be part of preparations for a new monarch.
Sejusa said it was normal practice to clear an existing palace and refurbish it before a new king takes possession.
“It is standard practice to clear out all the old stuff and fully refurbish the palace for the incoming king,” Sejusa wrote.
He compared the practice to changes that take place at State Houses when a new occupant moves in, saying renovations can involve various parts of a residence, including floors and ceilings.
“In olden days, the new King would enter a completely new palace (his own) and keep the old one for ceremonies. So should be no alarm here!” he said.
Sejusa’s explanation comes against the backdrop of a tense succession process that followed the death of King Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru Rukidi IV on August 27, 2026.
Tooro royal elders subsequently selected Prince Edward Rukidi Kijanangoma as Oyo’s successor after their initial choice, George Desmond Kamurasi, declined to take up the throne.
Kijanangoma adopted the regnal name Edward Rukidi Nyabongo I and is preparing to assume the traditional leadership of the kingdom at a coronation scheduled for September 29 at Karuziika Palace in Fort Portal City.
The palace preparations have nevertheless unfolded amid disagreements within sections of the royal family over the succession.
Princess Ruth Komuntale has called for a review of the succession decision, citing what she described as a purported will allegedly naming a son of the late King Oyo as heir.
The dispute has added sensitivity to preparations for the new monarch, with developments at Karuziika Palace attracting heightened attention from members of the royal family and the public.
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