Prince David Kijanangoma, Elder Brother of Tooro’s New King, Dies of Throat Cancer
KAMPALA, Uganda — Prince David Kijanangoma Araali, the elder brother of Tooro’s newly selected king, Edward Rukidi Kijanangoma, has passed away following a battle with stage-three throat cancer. He died while undergoing treatment at the Uganda Cancer Institute in Mulago.
The death was announced by his younger brother, Edward Rukidi Kijanangoma, in a post on social media platform X.
“It’s with a heavy heart that I announce the untimely passing on of my elder brother Prince David Kijanangoma,” Edward wrote. “Prince David has lost a long time battle to cancer. More details will follow. Rest in peace.”
According to summaries of the events circulating on X, the announcement came days after cousin King Oyo’s burial on September 12, amidst ongoing disputes over Edward’s selection by the Babiito clan.
Prince David was a prominent and controversial figure in the Tooro Kingdom. He was widely known for his 2015 challenge to King Oyo’s leadership. He had previously admitted that he wanted to be king to unite the Batooro and rebuild kingdom structures that he claimed had been mismanaged. He also faced accusations from the Musuuga of hatching plans to overthrow the late King Oyo.
A grandson of former king Sir George David Rukidi III, Prince David was also the younger brother of Happy Kijanangoma, who was shot dead in 1999 in Fort Portal. The family had previously sought funds for his medical care abroad.
Tributes and condolences from across the region have highlighted his dedication to the people of Tooro. Funeral details are forthcoming.
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