Prince Edward Rukidi Kijanangoma, the Tooro king-designate also referred to as Nyabongo I, has appointed an interim Principal Personal Secretary (PPS) and spokesperson as he reorganises his official communication channels ahead of his planned enthronement.
In a statement dated September 15, Prince Kijanangoma appointed Fr Nyakaana Paul Busingye Akiiki as his interim PPS and spokesperson, with immediate effect.
The appointment gives Fr Busingye responsibility for handling the king-designate’s communications and serving as the official channel through which information from him will be communicated to the public.
‘I have appointed Fr. N. Nyakaana Paul Busingye Akiki as my interim Principal Personal Secretary (PPS)/Spokesperson to immediately and in each case handle all my communications and send out to him through the following contacts,’ the statement reads.
Prince Kijanangoma also announced the immediate termination of his personal official social media accounts, directing members of the public to instead use communication channels associated with his newly appointed PPS and spokesperson.
‘I hereby terminate all my personal official social media accounts with immediate effect,’ he said.
The statement lists telephone and social media contacts associated with Fr Busingye, including X, Facebook, Instagram and TikTok accounts under the name Paul Nyakaana.
Fr Busingye is a longtime friend of Prince Kijanangoma. The two grew up in Kidukuru Cell in Central Division, Fort Portal City, where the prince was born, and attended Kinyamasika Primary School and St Leo’s College Kyegobe before later studying at Makerere University.
The appointment comes amid a series of developments surrounding the Tooro succession following the death and burial of Omukama Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru Rukidi IV.
On Tuesday, the Tooro Kingdom Supreme Council passed a resolution endorsing Prince Kijanangoma as successor to the late King Oyo, following a decision by the Babiito royal clan succession committee.
The Babiito royal clan, under Omujwera Musuuga Charles Kamurasi, has announced September 29 as the date for the planned coronation of Prince Kijanangoma, who has been designated Nyabongo I.
The announcement came days after King Oyo was buried at the Karambi Royal Tombs on September 12 following nine days of official mourning.
On Wednesday, preparations for the planned coronation began with meetings chaired by Musuuga Kamurasi and the formation of various committees to oversee the ceremony.
Dr Richard Rwabuhinga has been retained as chairperson of the organising committee, having previously served as co-chairperson of the committee that organised King Oyo’s burial.
The latest communication changes come as succession-related developments in Tooro continue to attract public attention, including debate over the new king, the planned coronation and the future administration of the kingdom.
The immediate family of the late King Oyo, which initially opposed the move to crown a new king, has remained largely silent on the latest developments.