Prince George Desmond Kamurasi reportedly declined to immediately accept the Tooro throne after being selected as the first choice by the 21-member Royal Succession Committee following the death of King Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru Rukidi IV.
Kamurasi, a London-based Ugandan goalkeeper, is said to have asked for more time to consult his family before taking on the responsibilities of becoming Omukama. Reports indicate that he was also concerned about the management of Tooro Kingdom assets.
According to sources, Kamurasi wanted the kingdom’s properties and resources audited and clearly separated from privately owned assets before accepting the crown. He reportedly wanted greater clarity and documentation of the institution’s property and responsibilities.
Fr. Dr Charles Oyo Amooti, a member of the Royal Succession Committee, confirmed that Kamurasi had been ranked first after the candidates were vetted. However, he said the first candidate informed the committee that he had existing responsibilities and was not ready to become king.
The committee subsequently moved to its next choice, with the Babiito royal clan selecting Prince Edward Rukidi Kijanangoma as the next Omukama of Tooro.
Kijanangoma’s selection has, however, faced opposition from some members of King Oyo’s immediate family, who have raised questions surrounding the late king’s reported 2022 will and the succession arrangements it contained.
Kamurasi’s reported decision has therefore added another layer to the ongoing Tooro succession debate, bringing attention to family considerations, royal traditions and the management of kingdom assets.
