Before even the mourning could stop, more sad news has hit Tooro Kingdom following the death of Crown Prince David Kiijanangoma Araali, who passed away at the Mulago Cancer Institute after a prolonged battle with cancer.
The news was announced by journalist and vocal Babiito clan member Andrew Irumba, who said Prince David died after battling throat cancer.
“Tooro Crown Prince David Kiijanangoma Araali has died at Mulago Cancer Institute. Kiija has died of throat cancer,” Irumba announced.
Born on December 16, 1970, Prince David was the son of the late Prince Christopher Paul Kijanangoma and a grandson of former Tooro King Omukama Sir George David Rukidi III.
He was the elder brother of Prince Edward Rukidi Kijanangoma, also known as Edward Kijanangoma Amooti, who was selected by a Babiito clan succession committee as the new Omukama of Tooro following the death of King Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru Rukidi IV.
Prince David was also a cousin of the late King Oyo. Another of his brothers, Prince Charles Happy Kijanangoma, was killed in Fort Portal in the 1990s.
Prince David became a controversial figure in Tooro in 2015 when he publicly challenged King Oyo’s leadership, accusing the young monarch of being an absentee king who spent much of his time outside the kingdom. He also criticized Queen Mother Best Kemigisa over what he described as mismanagement of kingdom assets.
He later declared himself king, occupied Rwengoma Palace and began preparations for a coronation. He was arrested and subsequently released on bail, while President Yoweri Museveni publicly warned him against proceeding with the planned coronation.
Prince David later reconciled with the kingdom around 2019.
His health battle had reportedly continued for more than a year, with the prince receiving chemotherapy at Nakasero Hospital and the Uganda Cancer Institute. Earlier reports said his family appealed for about Shs500 million to facilitate specialized treatment abroad after exhausting their resources.
Photos of the prince receiving treatment while lying on a hospital floor also circulated widely on social media, drawing public attention to his condition.
According to reports, Prince David had been battling stage-three esophageal cancer, with his family seeking further treatment after local options were reportedly exhausted.
His death comes only weeks after the passing of King Oyo in August and days after the late monarch was laid to rest at the Karambi Royal Tombs.
It also comes amid an unresolved succession dispute in Tooro, following the selection and installation of Prince Edward Kijanangoma as successor to King Oyo, a decision that has faced opposition from some members of the late king’s family.
Prince David’s death therefore adds another painful chapter to an already turbulent period for the Tooro royal family.
May Crown Prince David Kiijanangoma Araali rest in peace. 🕊️
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