The prime minister of Tooro Kingdom, Calvin Armstrong Rwomiire, has issued called for restraint and unity, telling Batooro that “enough is enough” as reports emerge that the queen mother, Best Kemigisa, has removed household items (including curtains, furniture, carpets, bedding, and plates) from Karuziika Palace ahead of the coronation of the new king.
In a statement titled “ABANTU BATOORO, ENOUGH IS ENOUGH. TWASWARA!”—the latter a Runyoro-Rutooro expression of shame—the omuhikirwa called on the people to self-regulate their online behaviour and ‘lower the temperature.’ He invoked the traditional ‘Baragirakiki’ proverb, urging discipline and decorum even in difficult times.
“Tutajura ekikali!” Rwomiire wrote, a Runyoro-Rutooro expression meaning “we should not undress the palace,” serving as a direct cultural rebuke following the reported removal of items from the royal residence.
Footage shared on social media appeared to show empty windows inside Karuziika Palace, with lorries reportedly loading up palace property, including bedding and plates. Omuhamba Businge Akiiki, who shared the footage on X, claimed: “Current status at Karuziika Palace, all things like curtains are being removed by outgoing Queen Mother Best Kemigisa”.
The queen mother reportedly handed over the keys to the palace on September 18, clearing the way for Babiito elders and kingdom officials to begin coronation preparations. However, former intelligence chief Gen. David Sejusa has sought to downplay the controversy, saying the clearance of the palace was standard practice. “It is standard practice to clear out all the old stuff and fully refurbish the palace for the incoming king,” Sejusa said, comparing it to State House transitions. “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!”.
The developments come amid a tense succession following the death of King Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru Rukidi IV. The Babiito Royal Clan selected Prince Edward Rukidi Kijanangoma, who will reign as Edward Rukidi Nyabongo I, after its initial choice, George Desmond Kamurasi, reportedly declined the throne. The late king’s family, however, maintains that Oyo left a 2022 will naming a biological son as his successor, fueling ongoing disputes over the succession process.
In his statement, Rwomiire urged Batooro to “share less of what embarrasses the institution,” resist heated narratives, and “comment less, listen more.” He noted: “We are not opposing teams. There is only one team: TEAM TOORO.”
The prime minister also addressed widespread speculation about positions and titles in the new administration, saying: “His Majesty the King will make those decisions, in his wisdom and at the appropriate time. Let us give him that space and respect the Crown.”
The coronation of Edward Rukidi Nyabongo I is scheduled for September 29, 2026, at Karuziika Palace in Fort Portal City, beginning with a church service at St. John’s Cathedral.
