Former Makerere University Vice Chancellor and ex-presidential candidate Prof. Venansius Baryamureeba has called for a boycott of the planned September 29, 2026 coronation of Prince Edward Rukidi Kijanangoma as the new Omukama of Tooro.
Baryamureeba has instead voiced support for the late King Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru Rukidi IV’s alleged biological son, Prince Jacob Oyo, popularly known as “Baby Oyo,” amid the ongoing succession dispute.
In his remarks, the academic argued that Baby Oyo should be considered in the debate over who should succeed King Oyo, who died in August 2026.
Baryamureeba also urged supporters of the alleged heir to boycott companies sponsoring or supporting the coronation. He specifically mentioned MTN MoMo, referring to a promotional video featuring QR-code payments and calling on companies to reconsider their involvement in the royal event.
He further claimed that Baby Oyo enjoys a larger support base and encouraged supporters to use their economic influence by switching from companies associated with the coronation to competing businesses.
The former presidential candidate also called for scrutiny of politicians linked to the organisers of Edward Kijanangoma’s coronation, suggesting that their involvement could have political consequences ahead of Uganda’s 2031 elections.
The remarks add to the continuing divisions surrounding the Tooro succession process. The Babiito Royal Clan selected Prince Edward Rukidi Kijanangoma as King Oyo’s successor, while members of the late king’s immediate family have maintained that he left behind a biological son who should inherit the throne.
The alleged identity and succession claim surrounding “Baby Oyo” remain contested, while preparations for Edward Rukidi Nyabongo I’s September 29 coronation continue.
If any serious company signs up to support this coronation we should also sign out and support their rival.. .. Baby Oyo has 100 times more supporters. So we have the capacity to cripple them. Even mark the politicians that are hobnobbing with them 2031 is not far. https://t.co/VqnpyUt5CC
— Prof. V Baryamureeba (@baryamureeba) September 21, 2026







