KAMPALA – Chief of Defence Forces Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba has directed journalist Andrew Mwenda to stop commenting on issues relating to the Tooro Kingdom.
Gen. Muhoozi issued the directive on Tuesday, September 15, after Mwenda made controversial statements about the succession following the death of King Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru Rukidi IV on August 27th.
_”I have instructed comrade not to speak about the issues of Tooro again. He will stop it immediately,”_ Gen. Muhoozi posted on X.
The intervention comes amid a growing succession crisis in Tooro.
After King Oyo’s death at 34, a section of the Babiito Royal Clan led by Omusuuga Charles Kamurasi announced journalist George Kijanangoma – also named as Prince Edward Rukidi Kijanangoma – as the new King.
But the appointment triggered rejection from Queen Mother Best Kemigisha, Princess Elizabeth Bagaya and Princess Ruth Komuntale. They argue that customs were not followed and cite a will they say King Oyo left behind naming his son as heir.
Kingdom Premier Calvin Rwomiire Akiiki had announced that King Oyo leaves behind a son who will be his heir, though the identity is yet to be formally revealed.
Mwenda, who is a member of the royal clan, defended the clan’s selection and questioned claims about the existence of the son, while also attacking Queen Mother Kemigisha.
His comments sparked public backlash, with Agriculture Minister Frank Tumwebaze earlier urging him to allow the Kingdom to mourn in peace.
