Controversial Journalist Lifts Lid on Tooro Succession Row as UPDF Clarifies Palace Security

Controversial journalist Andrew Mwenda has shed more light on the Tooro succession dispute after Queen Mother Best Kemigisa accused a self-appointed group of clan members of taking over the process of choosing the late King Oyo’s successor.

Kemigisa also alleged that the royal guards had been removed from the palace without notice and replaced by troops, leaving members of the royal family unable to move freely or receive visitors.

The Queen Mother said the family was being subjected to what she described as a form of house arrest, while appealing for time to mourn King Oyo before the succession dispute was settled.

Her remarks prompted the Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF) to clarify its presence at the palace, while Mwenda separately responded to her criticism of the succession process.

UPDF Rejects Claims of Palace Lockdown

Colonel Chris Magezi, Acting Director of Defence Public Information, rejected the claim that the military had withdrawn the Tooro Royal Guards.

“It is not true that Royal Guards were withdrawn from the palace,” Magezi said.

He also denied that the royal family had been placed under lockdown or house arrest.

“It is also not true that royal palace residents are under lockdown or house arrest,” he said.

Magezi said the UPDF was not involved in determining who would succeed King Oyo, stressing that the military was not privy to or involved in succession processes currently ongoing in Tooro Kingdom.

Also Read: Museveni Sends Message to Ugandans as Muhoozi Succession Rumors Intensify

Instead, he said the army had increased security around the palace because of the large number of people gathering there and security concerns linked to the situation in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo.

“UPDF leadership decided to reinforce Royal Guards with additional security for palace and surrounding areas,” Magezi said.

Additional access-control measures, including thorough searches, were introduced as security teams monitored movements around the palace.

Mwenda Defends Succession Process

Kemigisa’s criticism also drew a response from Mwenda, who said he was compelled to explain how the succession committee arrived at its decision.

He described the Queen Mother’s remarks as a “gross insult to our kingdom and its cultural institutions.”

Mwenda said more than 100 members of the Babiito, the royal clan, met at Karuziika Palace in Fort Portal City on August 28 and selected a 21-member Royal Succession Committee headed by Musuuga, the Prince Regent and caretaker.

The committee began its work on August 31 to identify Oyo’s successor.

According to Mwenda, the committee considered several candidates before reaching its decision through a secret ballot.

He disputed claims that George Desmond Kamurasi, who received 15 votes, had rejected the throne, saying he had asked for time to consult his wife and business partners in London.

“He did not decline the throne,” Mwenda said.

The succession dispute intensified after the Queen Mother questioned the committee’s authority and said she would not disclose further information about Oyo’s purported heir until his will was read.

Also Read: “The Presidency Is Our Birthright,” General Muhoozi Says He Will Succeed Museveni

Mwenda said the will, written on September 14, 2022, contained a hypothetical reference to an heir and argued that Tooro customs also had to be considered in determining succession.

Army Inspects Burial Preparations

As the dispute continued, UPDF Land Forces Commander Lieutenant General Kayanja Muhanga visited the palace to pay his last respects to King Oyo and inspect military-supported works at the Royal Tombs.

He assessed roads leading to the tombs and rehabilitation works being undertaken by the UPDF Engineering Brigade.

Magezi said Muhanga was satisfied with the progress and confident the works would be ready for the official burial.

The UPDF extended condolences to the Queen Mother, the royal family and the Tooro Kingdom, while assuring mourners that it remained available alongside other security agencies to maintain calm and safety during the burial period.

Follow our WhatsApp channel for more updates

Acting Director Defence Public Information/MA CDF-SPASO Chris Magezi. PHOTO/ X