Queen Mother Best Kemigisa has confirmed that the late King Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru Rukidi IV left behind a biological child who remains in Texas, United States, adding new weight to the long-running “Baby Oyo” succession controversy.
In a multi-page statement of appreciation released on September 22, 2026, Kemigisa explained that the royal family had initially planned for the child to return to Uganda on the same plane carrying King Oyo’s body.
She said the plan was abandoned after the succession dispute that followed the king’s death became increasingly tense, with the family concerned about bringing the child into what she described as a polarised environment.
“Before leaving Texas, our family had hoped that King Oyo’s child would return on the same plane with us. However, as events unfolded in Tooro, concerns grew about bringing a child into a tense and polarised succession dispute. Ultimately, the child did not return with us,” Kemigisa stated.
She added: “No child should ever be placed in circumstances where returning to his father’s homeland could mean being drawn into hostility and conflict.”
The Queen Mother also appeared to confirm the child’s continued presence in the United States, stating: “His mother is still here. His sister is still here. His child is still here…”
The revelation comes amid a bitter succession dispute following King Oyo’s death on August 27, 2026, at the age of 34. Members of his immediate family have maintained that he left a 2022 will providing for a biological son to succeed him if lawfully recognised.
The Babiito Royal Clan, however, selected Prince Edward Rukidi Kijanangoma as successor, with the clan maintaining that the process followed Tooro customs and traditions. The royal family has rejected the selection and continued to raise the issue of Oyo’s alleged son in the succession debate.
The child has previously been referred to publicly as “Baby Oyo” or Prince Jacob Oyo, although reports have contained differing details about his name. His identity, age and other personal details have not been fully disclosed publicly.
Kemigisa’s latest statement also reflects on the events surrounding King Oyo’s death, the family’s grief and the succession disagreements that followed. She called for peace rather than bitterness and thanked supporters who stood with the royal family during the difficult period.
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The confirmation of the child’s existence is likely to keep the succession question at the centre of debate as preparations continue for the planned September 29 enthronement of Edward Rukidi Nyabongo I.
STATEMENT OF APPRECIATION FROM HER ROYAL HIGHNESS THE QUEEN MOTHER OF TOORO, BEST KEMIGISA. pic.twitter.com/BZF2AXnzHN
— Queen Kemigisa Best Olimi Tooro Kingdom (@QueenOlimi) September 22, 2026
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