The Tooro royal family has suffered another loss following the death of Prince David Kijanangoma Araali, elder brother of the kingdom’s newly designated King Edward Rukidi Kijanangoma.
Prince David died on Tuesday, September 15, 2026, at the Uganda Cancer Institute in Mulago, Kampala, after battling throat cancer for more than a year.
His death came just three days after the burial of King Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru Rukidi IV, who died on August 27 aged 34 after a battle with cancer and was laid to rest at the Karambi Royal Tombs on September 12.
The latest death has deepened the sense of loss surrounding the Tooro royal family, which is also navigating a disputed succession following Oyo’s death.
Edward Rukidi Kijanangoma, who was endorsed as the next Tooro king on Tuesday, announced the death of his elder brother in a statement shared on X.
The newly designated monarch wrote:
“It’s with a heavy heart that I announce the untimely passing on of my elder brother, Prince David Kijanangoma. Prince David has lost a long time battle to cancer.”
He ended the message by saying: “Rest in peace brother.”
The announcement came on the same day that the Tooro Supreme Council endorsed Edward Kijanangoma as Oyo’s successor.
The council passed the resolution during a sitting at the Muchwa Kingdom headquarters in Fort Portal City, endorsing the decision of the 21-member Babiito royal clan succession committee.
The timing has made David’s death particularly significant for the royal family, as his younger brother takes on the responsibility of leading the kingdom through a period of uncertainty.
Prince David had been receiving treatment for Stage Three throat cancer for more than a year. His health condition became public earlier in 2026 when his family and friends appealed for financial assistance to support his treatment.
Reports said he had received chemotherapy at Nakasero Hospital and the Uganda Cancer Institute in Mulago. His family later sought about Sh700 million to enable him to access specialised treatment in India after his resources for treatment in Uganda were reportedly exhausted.
The prince’s condition deteriorated in April, prompting the public appeal for assistance.
Health Journalism Network Uganda reported at the time that his close friend and spokesperson, David Irumba, said the family had exhausted its financial resources on treatment.
“We have used every coin on treatment,” Irumba said.
Tooro Kingdom assistant Musuuga Kato Rwakatale also confirmed the death.
“He has been ill for a long period of time; may his soul rest in eternal peace,” Rwakatale said.
David was not a peripheral figure in Tooro’s royal affairs. The prince became prominent in 2015 when he openly challenged the leadership of his cousin, the late King Oyo.
At the time, David accused Oyo of failing to devote enough attention to the kingdom and argued that Tooro needed stronger leadership and reforms. He went as far as occupying Rwengoma Palace in Fort Portal and declaring his intention to take over the throne.
The confrontation created a major dispute within the kingdom and drew the attention of the Ugandan government. David was later arrested over his actions, while then-President Yoweri Museveni intervened and maintained that Oyo remained the legitimate king.
David had argued that he could help rebuild the kingdom’s structures and unite the Batooro. His challenge to Oyo, however, did not permanently divide the two princes. The pair eventually reconciled, ending years of tension between them.
