A succession dispute is emerging in Tooro Kingdom following conflicting accounts over whether late King Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru Rukidi IV left behind a child who could inherit the throne.
Human rights lawyer Sarah Bireete has questioned the circumstances surrounding the announcement of the reported heir, arguing that the conflicting statements from senior figures in the kingdom raise important questions about the succession process.
King Oyo died aged 34 after reportedly undergoing treatment for cancer abroad. Shortly after his death, Tooro Prime Minister Calvin Rwomiire announced that the monarch had left behind a young prince who would serve as his heir.
According to Bireete, President Yoweri Museveni later reinforced the claim after saying he had spoken to Queen Mother Best Kemigisa.
Museveni reportedly said Kemigisa had informed him that Oyo had left behind a young boy who would be introduced at an appropriate time.
However, the claim was subsequently challenged by Omusuuga Charles Kamurasi Akiiki, the head of the Babiito clan and a senior figure in Tooro's traditional succession structure.
Bireete cited Kamurasi as saying that the late king had no known child and that the royal family had not been informed about the reported heir.
The conflicting accounts have raised questions over who has the authority to identify and validate a successor under Tooro customs.
Bireete argued that the disagreement should not be viewed as an isolated development triggered by Oyo's death, pointing to longstanding tensions between the palace administration and the Babiito clan leadership.
She said the palace administration, led by the Queen Mother and supported by the Prime Minister's office, has historically played a major role in the management of kingdom affairs, while the Babiito clan remains responsible for safeguarding the royal lineage and traditional succession procedures.
The lawyer further questioned why the reported heir was allegedly communicated to the President before being formally presented to the Babiito leadership.
She suggested that the issue could involve more than determining who eventually occupies the Tooro throne, arguing that the identity of a potential heir could also determine who exercises authority during any period of regency.
King Oyo ascended the Tooro throne in 1995 at just three years old following the death of his father, King Patrick Matthew Kaboyo Olimi III. He formally assumed greater responsibilities as monarch after turning 18.
Bireete called for the succession process to be handled transparently, urging the Babiito elders, Queen Mother and other stakeholders to establish the facts surrounding the reported prince.
She also cautioned against allowing political considerations to overshadow the interests of any child identified as Oyo's heir.
The debate comes as Tooro prepares to mourn and honour a monarch who spent more than three decades on the throne, with attention now shifting to the future leadership of the historic kingdom.