The Tooro Elders Forum has revealed that no new Omukama has been selected yet and for calm and unity as the Kingdom continues to mourn the death of Omukama Rukira Basaija Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru Rukiidi IV and prepares for his succession.
In a statement issued signed by the chairperson of the Tooro Elders Forum, retired Col. Tom Butime, the elders said the succession process should be allowed to proceed peacefully in accordance with the customs, traditions and established practices of the Tooro Kingdom.
The clarification follows the discussions and speculation about who will succeed Rukiidi IV, with different claims and interpretations circulating, particularly on social media.
The elders said the period following the death of the Omukama should be treated as a time of mourning, reflection and transition and urged the people of Tooro to avoid actions or statements that could create divisions within the Kingdom.
“As elders, we call upon all the people of Tooro, wherever they may be, to remain united and to conduct themselves with dignity, humility and respect for one another. This is a time of mourning, reflection and transition for our Kingdom,” the elders said.
The forum said differences in opinion over the succession should not be allowed to undermine the unity of the people or the customs and traditions that have guided Tooro for generations.
It also warned against the circulation of false, misleading and unverified information about the Kingdom, particularly through social media platforms.
“Social media, artificial intelligence and other digital technologies should not be used to manufacture, alter or circulate information that may mislead the public or create unnecessary tension,” the elders said.
The elders further appealed to journalists, media houses and other people communicating to the public to exercise professional responsibility when reporting about the succession process.
“We equally call upon journalists, media houses and all those who communicate to the public to uphold professional responsibility and ensure that information concerning the Kingdom and the succession process is obtained from authentic and competent sources,” they said.
The statement also makes clear that the elders recognise and support the work of the 21 member succession committee, which has been involved in the process of determining the next steps for the Kingdom following the death of Rukiidi IV.
“Having followed the succession process, Isaazi Ly’Abantu Bakuru Ba Tooro agrees with and supports the work of the 21 member succession committee, the process through which it carried out its responsibility, and the results and recommendations arising from its deliberations,” the forum said.
The elders said the people of Tooro should respect the cultural institutions and individuals entrusted with responsibilities relating to the succession and allow them to complete their work without unnecessary interference.
“We recognise the importance of respecting the cultural institutions and persons entrusted with responsibilities concerning succession. We therefore call upon the people of Tooro to accord the process the respect it deserves and to allow the transition to proceed peacefully, in accordance with the customs, traditions and established practices of the Kingdom,” they said.
The statement comes as the death of Rukiidi IV continues to mark a major transition for Tooro, with the Kingdom preparing for a new chapter while the mourning period continues.
The elders called upon the Royal Family and the people of Tooro to remain united and urged well wishers to support the Kingdom during the transition.
They also warned against what they described as diversionary activities that could tarnish the image of Tooro and sow seeds of disunity at a time when the Kingdom needs cohesion.
The forum said individuals and groups both within and outside Tooro should ensure that their involvement in the affairs of the Kingdom contributes to peace, unity and understanding rather than confusion.
The elders also appealed to young people to take a greater interest in the history and heritage of Tooro Kingdom, saying important questions concerning succession and traditional leadership should not be determined by social media commentary alone.
“Matters of such importance should not be understood only from social media commentary, isolated contemporary documents or individual interpretations. We encourage our young people to read widely about the documented history of Tooro Kingdom, its norms, customs, traditions and established monarchical practices,” the elders said.
They further encouraged young people to understand the relevant provisions of the Constitution and laws of Uganda concerning traditional and cultural institutions.
According to the elders, a people who understand their history are better placed to protect their heritage and make responsible decisions about the future of their Kingdom.
The forum said the succession should not be reduced to competing individual interests, arguing that the wider interests of Tooro must remain at the centre of the process.
“As we grieve the loss of our King and prepare for the next chapter in the life of our Kingdom, we call upon all people of Tooro to reflect on the greater good of Tooro. At moments such as this, the interests of the Kingdom must rise above individual interests, disagreements and competing positions,” the statement said.
The elders described Tooro Kingdom as a heritage passed down through generations, saying the current generation has a responsibility to preserve it for those who will come after them.
They urged the people of Tooro to exercise restraint and avoid personal interests or disagreements that could undermine the dignity of the Kingdom during the transition.
“Let this be a time for wisdom, restraint, respect and unity. We call upon all the people of Tooro to place the dignity, peace and continuity of the Kingdom above personal interests,” the elders said.
The forum said the people of Tooro should instead remain guided by the Kingdom’s history, traditions and established practices as preparations for the installation of the next Omukama continue.
The statement by the elders therefore seeks to calm the speculation surrounding the succession, while reaffirming their support for the work of the 21 member committee and calling on the public to await an official outcome from the recognised succession structures.
The Tooro Elders Forum says the focus should remain on mourning Rukiidi IV, protecting the unity of the Kingdom and ensuring that the transition to the next Omukama is conducted peacefully and with respect for Tooro’s traditions.
