The Musuuga of Tooro, Charles Akiiki Kamurasi, has denied having powers to sack Tooro Kingdom Prime Minister Calvin Armstrong Rwomiire, as efforts intensify to restore unity in the kingdom ahead of the burial of the late Omukama Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru Rukidi IV.
The clarification comes at a time when the kingdom has been gripped by tension and uncertainty over the leadership of Tooro, with disagreements among members of the royal family and senior kingdom officials threatening to overshadow preparations for the burial of the late king. King Oyo, who died recently after a prolonged illness, is scheduled to be laid to rest on September 12.
Speaking about his relationship with Rwomiire, which had deteriorated sharply following the death of King Oyo, Kamurasi said he did not have the authority to unilaterally remove the Prime Minister from office. “Any decision on Rwomiire’s future in office will only be made after King Oyo is laid to rest, and will hinge on the Prime Minister’s own conduct,” Kamurasi was quoted as saying.
The statement effectively seeks to put to rest speculation that the Musuuga had already decided to remove Rwomiire from his position. It also signals a desire by the royal family to avoid opening another leadership contest at a time when the kingdom is preparing for one of the most important cultural ceremonies in its recent history.
Relationship Turns Sour
The relationship between Kamurasi and Rwomiire had sunk to new lows following the death of King Oyo. The disagreements reportedly centred on the management of activities surrounding the late king, the role of members of the royal family and the authority of various kingdom officials during the mourning and burial period.
The tensions became particularly significant because of the uncertainty surrounding the kingdom’s succession and the administration of royal affairs following the death of King Oyo. Kamurasi, who has a central role in the cultural affairs of the kingdom, has since emerged as a key figure in efforts to maintain order at Karuziika Palace.
However, the Musuuga’s latest remarks indicate that, rather than immediately moving to remove Rwomiire, the focus is now on ensuring that the kingdom successfully completes the burial of King Oyo before dealing with contentious administrative issues.
The two officials have since appeared to reconcile. Pictures of Kamurasi and Rwomiire together have emerged publicly, suggesting that the bitter disagreement between the two men may have been substantially reduced. Their public appearance together has been interpreted as an important signal to the kingdom at a time when the royal family needs unity.
Government Intervenes
The tensions within the Tooro royal establishment have also attracted the attention of the central government. On Monday, President Yoweri Museveni dispatched Lt Gen Henry Tumukunde to Tooro Kingdom to mediate between members of the royal family and officials who had fallen out following the death of King Oyo. Tumukunde’s mission is understood to be part of broader efforts to ensure that the differences within the royal establishment do not escalate into a crisis during the mourning period.
The retired senior army officer’s intervention came after Vice-President Jessica Alupo had held a series of meetings with members of the royal family. Alupo’s engagements were aimed at listening to the different sides and encouraging the royal family to resolve their disagreements peacefully.
The government’s involvement underscores the importance attached to stability in Tooro, particularly at a time when thousands of mourners, cultural leaders, government officials and other dignitaries are expected to converge in the kingdom for the burial. The death of King Oyo has generated intense public interest, not only because of his long reign but also because of the questions surrounding the future leadership of the kingdom.
Musuuga Takes Charge
Sources in Tooro say Kamurasi has firmly taken charge of activities at Karuziika Palace in accordance with the cultural traditions of the kingdom. The Musuuga is one of the important figures in the Tooro cultural institution and has been involved in the organisation and coordination of activities surrounding the royal family.
His increased visibility at Karuziika comes against the backdrop of disagreements over who should take responsibility for various aspects of the kingdom’s affairs following the death of King Oyo. Sources say the Musuuga has been actively coordinating activities at the palace and working with other members of the royal establishment to ensure that preparations for the burial proceed smoothly.
His position that no immediate decision will be made regarding Rwomiire is also seen as an attempt to prevent further divisions within the kingdom. The Prime Minister remains an important figure in the administration of the kingdom, and any attempt to remove him during the mourning period could potentially deepen the divisions that have emerged. For now, attention has shifted towards September 12, when the remains of King Oyo are expected to be laid to rest.
Succession Questions
The leadership disagreements have also unfolded against the backdrop of a wider succession controversy that has unsettled Tooro in recent weeks. Questions over who should take over the cultural leadership of the kingdom gained prominence after journalist Andrew Mwenda publicly claimed that a successor to King Oyo had been identified.
The announcement triggered confusion within Tooro, with sections of the royal family and kingdom officials distancing themselves from the claims. The controversy has exposed disagreements over the interpretation and application of Tooro’s traditional succession arrangements.
President Museveni has also previously said he had been briefed that King Oyo had a son, adding another dimension to discussions about the future of the monarchy. The succession debate has consequently become a sensitive issue, with members of the royal family expected to handle the matter cautiously to avoid further divisions. Against this background, the decision by Kamurasi and Rwomiire to publicly reconcile is likely to be welcomed by cultural leaders and the wider Tooro community.
Burial Takes Priority
With only days remaining before King Oyo’s burial, the immediate priority for the kingdom is to ensure a dignified send-off for the late monarch. The intervention by Alupo and Tumukunde has provided an additional avenue for the various factions within the royal establishment to resolve their differences. The Musuuga’s statement that Rwomiire’s future will only be considered after the burial also gives the kingdom breathing space to concentrate on mourning rather than leadership disputes.
For now, Kamurasi appears determined to maintain stability at Karuziika while allowing the established cultural and administrative processes to take their course. The September 12 burial is therefore expected to mark not only the final farewell to King Oyo but also an important moment for the royal family to begin rebuilding unity. Once the mourning period is over, attention is likely to return to the outstanding questions over the kingdom’s administration, the future of the Prime Minister and, ultimately, the succession to the Tooro throne. For a kingdom that has endured growing uncertainty since the death of its young monarch, the immediate message from Karuziika is clear: the burial comes first; the leadership questions can wait.
Author Profile
- Mr. Stephen Kasozi Muwambi is a seasoned crime investigative writer, majoring in judicial-based stories. His two decades’ experience as a senior investigative journalist has made him one of the best to reckon on in Uganda. He can also be reached via [email protected]
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