Marie Solome

The Tooro new king HRM King Edward Rukidi Nyabongo l did not plan for this. He was focused on his private life, circumstances radically changed and he’s suddenly faced with big responsibilities. He didn't campaign for the throne. Our King Oyo was groomed from age 3, Edward was pulled from a newsroom at 56 as the only option for the continuity of the Tooro dynasty. We should stop comparing him. He did not ask for this. People are comparing King Edward Rukidi as if he lobbied, campaigned, and schemed to replace King Oyo. He did not. Actually he accepted the heavy responsibility when someone else eligible said NO dur to his family responsibilities in the UK and more… Our King Oyo was born to be King. He was groomed from childhood, crowned at 3, carried the kingdom for 31 years. That was his destiny. Edward's destiny was different. He built a quiet life as a journalist, a father, a private citizen. He was not in royal meetings, not posting crowns, not positioning himself. He was reading the 9pm news. When the Babiito clan elders led by Musuuga sat and chose him, it was their decision under Tooro custom, not his application. You cannot compare a man for not being King Oyo. Oyo was flamboyant, young, world-famous. Edward is 56, calm, low-profile. Tooro needs different things at different times. He did not steal a throne. He was handed a heavy crown in the middle of a funeral as the only last option for the continuity of the Tooro dynasty. CLARIFICATION: He was not elected. Tooro had to have a King on the throne within 9 days after Oyo's death as per custom — to perform the Karambi burial rites. There was no proven son of our beloved king Oyo presented to the Babiito elders. So the Royal Clan Council had to SELECT a new Omukama from the Babiito princes. That's what they did. Not an election. Not a popular vote, but a cultural selection. Prince Desmond was first choice and said no. Prince Edward accepted a huge kingdom responsibilities. It's selection by culture, not election by ballot. Respect the culture. I urge the Batooro If you loved Tooro under Omukama Oyo, show that love now by giving Tooro stability. Allow the new Omukama space to breathe, to learn the rituals, to mourn his cousin, and to grow into Rukidi Nyabongo I. The throne is not a competition. It's a responsibility one can never imagine. Let him work. #TooroKingdom #Nyabong l