By Ben Musanje
Queen Mother of Tooro, Best Kemigisa, has broken her silence on the circumstances surrounding the death and burial of her son, the late Omukama Rukirabasaija Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru Rukiidi IV, revealing that his child did not return to Tooro with the family amid concerns over the kingdom’s succession dispute.
In a statement issued as a message of appreciation following the burial, Kemigisa said the family had initially hoped that King Oyo’s child would travel with them from Texas to Tooro.
However, she said those plans changed after tensions emerged around the succession of the late King.
“Before leaving Texas, our family had hoped that King Oyo’s child would return on the same plane with us,” Kemigisa said. “However, as events unfolded in Tooro, concerns grew about bringing a child into a tense and polarised succession dispute. Ultimately, the child did not return with us.”
The Queen Mother said the decision had left her deeply saddened, stressing that the child should not be exposed to hostility arising from disagreements over succession.
“Whatever disagreements existed, no child should ever be placed in circumstances where returning to his father’s homeland could mean being drawn into hostility and conflict,” she said.
Queen Mother criticises succession process
Kemigisa also spoke about the events that followed her son’s death, saying her priority had been to give him a peaceful and dignified burial before succession matters were addressed.
She said she was distressed that discussions and announcements concerning a new king began almost immediately after Oyo’s death.
“Only hours after my son’s death, a committee was started to choose a new king. While my son’s body was still making its journey home to Tooro, a new king was announced,” she said.
According to Kemigisa, a second king was announced days later, shortly after King Oyo’s Will was read to members of the Royal Family, Musuga and representatives of the Babiito Clan.
She further said understandings reached before the burial concerning succession disputes and rituals were not honoured during the burial ceremony at Karambi.
The Queen Mother, however, called for restraint, saying she did not want anger to define the future of Tooro.
“Today, I do not want anger to have the final word. I want gratitude, faith, hope and service to have the final word,” she said.
King Oyo’s properties and legacy
Beyond the succession controversy, Kemigisa outlined plans to preserve and develop initiatives associated with her late son, saying his legacy should benefit future generations.
She said she and her daughter, Princess Ruth Nsemere Komuntale Farquharson Akiiki, had committed themselves to protecting and building King Oyo’s legacy.
At the centre of the plans is the proposed King Oyo Memorial Foundation, which the Queen Mother said would provide a vehicle for continuing work inspired by the late monarch.
The family also plans to establish a King Oyo Tooro Museum, using personal belongings and important objects from his life and reign to create a permanent collection.
According to Kemigisa, the museum would preserve King Oyo’s history as well as the wider history and culture of Tooro, while contributing to tourism and creating opportunities for young people, artists, craftspeople, guides and local businesses.
Stadium project to be revived
Kemigisa also revealed plans to pursue the completion of the King Oyo International Stadium, saying the late King had donated about 50 acres of land to the government for the development of a stadium.
She said the project was intended to provide young people with opportunities to develop sporting talent and create space for competitions and major events.
“We want that dream completed,” she said.
Proposed teaching and research hospital
Another major project outlined by the Queen Mother is the establishment of the King Oyo Research & Teaching Hospital in Tooro.
She said the proposed facility would include dedicated cancer and HIV research centres and would focus on treatment, training of health professionals, research and early disease detection.
Kemigisa linked the proposed hospital to King Oyo’s own experience with illness, saying his health journey strengthened the family’s determination to contribute to efforts against diseases affecting Ugandans.
“If work carried out in my son’s name helps another mother keep her child, then his legacy will have performed one of its greatest acts of service,” she said.
Bugaaki farm to become agricultural centre
The Queen Mother also said the family intends to preserve and expand King Oyo’s farm at Bugaaki into a centre for agricultural education, innovation and community outreach.
The facility, she said, could provide training to schools, young people and farmers in modern farming, agribusiness and value addition.
Kemigisa said the projects should not be viewed simply as monuments carrying King Oyo’s name, but as initiatives intended to translate his legacy into practical service to the people.
“These projects are not simply monuments bearing King Oyo’s name. They are his legacy put to work for the people,” she said.
Appeal for peace and unity
While reflecting on her loss, Kemigisa appealed for peace and respect for lawful processes in addressing the issues surrounding Tooro’s succession.
She said King Oyo’s wishes, as expressed in his Will, would remain important to his family and pledged to continue protecting his memory and legacy.
The Queen Mother also thanked President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni for his support to the family during King Oyo’s illness and after his death.
She said she was particularly grateful to the President for agreeing to serve as Patron and Founding Chairman of the King Oyo Memorial Foundation.
Kemigisa concluded by calling on the people of Tooro and Uganda to build rather than divide, saying the late King’s story should continue through service, opportunity and support for young people.
“My son has finished his earthly journey, but his story has not ended,” she said.
“His mother is still here. His sister is still here. His child is still here. His people are still here. And God is still with us.” (For comments on this story, get back to us on 0705579994 [WhatsApp line], 0779411734 & 041 4674611 or email us at mulengeranews@gmail.com).
