Prince David Kijanangoma, a prominent member of the Tooro royal family who challenged the leadership of the late King Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru Rukidi IV in 2015, has died at the Uganda Cancer Institute in Mulago.
Kijanangoma, the brother of Tooro’s recently elected King-designate, Prince Edward Rukidi Kijanangoma, had been battling Stage Three throat cancer for more than a year.
According to reports, he died on Tuesday, September 15, at the Uganda Cancer Institute.
His condition deteriorated in April, prompting his family and friends to publicly appeal for financial assistance to support his treatment.
His death comes at a significant moment for the Tooro Kingdom, days after the burial of his cousin, King Oyo, who died on August 27 at the age of 34 following a battle with cancer.
Prince David was the son of the late Prince Christopher Paul Kijanangoma and a grandson of former Tooro monarch Omukama Sir George David Rukidi Kamurasi III.
His brother Edward is also a member of the Babiito royal clan, from which Tooro kings traditionally come.
David became a controversial figure within the kingdom in 2015 when he challenged Oyo’s leadership, accusing the young monarch of abandoning his responsibilities.
He also accused Queen Mother Best Kemigisa of interfering in the affairs of the kingdom and argued that Oyo had failed to control his mother’s influence.
Kijanangoma subsequently proclaimed himself king and established himself at Rwengoma Palace in Fort Portal. He was arrested over the move but was later released on bail.
He later escalated his challenge by preparing for his own coronation, prompting President Yoweri Museveni to intervene and warn him against proceeding with the planned ceremony.
Museveni maintained that Oyo was the legitimate king.
Kijanangoma based his claim partly on what he described as provisions in the will of former King George Rukidi III. He argued that another prince could take over the monarchy if the reigning king failed to perform his duties.
The dispute eventually gave way to reconciliation. In 2019, Kijanangoma sought dialogue with Oyo and publicly declared peace with his cousin, bringing their years-long conflict to an end.
His health struggles were widely reported earlier this year. In April, the Health Journalists Network Uganda reported that Kijanangoma was receiving treatment for Stage Three throat cancer at Nakasero Hospital and the Uganda Cancer Institute in Mulago.
His family said it had exhausted its financial resources on his treatment and appealed for about Sh700 million to enable him to seek specialised care in India.
Kijanangoma’s death adds another chapter to a turbulent period for the Tooro royal family.
His passing comes as the kingdom mourns Oyo and navigates a contested succession involving his brother Edward, whose recognition as the new Omukama has been challenged amid questions over Oyo’s alleged biological heir.