FORT PORTAL — Prince David Kijanangoma has died after a long battle with throat cancer, passing away at the Uganda Cancer Institute in Mulago on Tuesday, September 15, 2026.
Kijanangoma, who was the brother of recently appointed Tooro King Edward Kijanangoma, died at the Uganda Cancer Institute in Mulago on Tuesday, September 15, 2026, according to his associate Andrew Irumba.
His death comes shortly after the passing of his cousin, former Tooro King Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru Rukidi IV.
Kijanangoma had been battling throat cancer for several years and received treatment at both Nakasero Hospital and the Uganda Cancer Institute.
Also Read: Prince Edward Kijanangoma named new Tooro King
In April 2026, his family appealed for financial assistance, saying the prince needed about Shs700 million to continue treatment in India after spending much of his resources on medical care in Uganda.
His health condition attracted widespread attention earlier this year when photographs emerged showing him lying on the floor at Mulago Hospital while waiting for a bed.
Irumba said congestion at the hospital had delayed Kijanangoma’s admission. The prince was later transferred to a private room after the images circulated widely.
According to Irumba, Kijanangoma had also been receiving a reported monthly upkeep of Shs4 million following a 2019 directive by President Yoweri Museveni. However, he claimed the money had not been paid since April 2024.
Prince David Kijanangoma’s journey from royal challenger to reconciliation
Kijanangoma became one of the most controversial figures in the Tooro royal family because of his long-running dispute with the late King Oyo.
He was the son of the late Prince Paul Kijanangoma, the eldest son of former Tooro King George Edward Rukidi III. This made him a first cousin of King Oyo.
Kijanangoma spent part of his life in the United States, where he studied and worked. He also served as publicity secretary of the Ugandan North American Association before returning to Uganda in 2007.
After his return, he at one point worked as a taxi driver along the Fort Portal-Kasese route before becoming increasingly involved in Tooro Kingdom affairs.
His dispute with King Oyo became public around 2015 when he challenged the king’s leadership and claimed that he was the rightful person to occupy the Tooro throne.
Kijanangoma criticised Oyo’s leadership and accused him of spending too much time in Kampala. He also raised concerns about the influence of Queen Mother Best Kemigisa in kingdom affairs.
In March 2015, Kijanangoma proclaimed himself king and based himself at Rwengoma Palace in Fort Portal.
Police later arrested him over allegations including inciting violence and criminal trespass. He denied the accusations and was subsequently released on bail.
He then moved towards organising his own coronation, but the plans were repeatedly disrupted by police.
In July 2015, President Museveni intervened and directed Kijanangoma to abandon the planned coronation, saying Oyo was the legitimate king and warning that attempts to remove him could trigger violence.
Kijanangoma maintained his challenge for some time, arguing that provisions he attributed to the will of former King George Rukidi III allowed another prince to take over if a reigning monarch failed to perform his duties.
The confrontation eventually eased.
In 2017, Kijanangoma sought dialogue with King Oyo, and by February 2019 he had publicly declared peace with his cousin, bringing an end to years of open rivalry.
His death marks the end of a controversial chapter in the history of Tooro’s royal family.
Uncovered UG extends its condolences to the Kijanangoma family, the Tooro royal family and all those who knew the late prince.
written by @enock katamba
- Enock Katamba is a Ugandan Journalist and Founder of Uncovered UG, an independent digital news platform covering Uganda and international developments. He reports on politics, national affairs, entertainment, sports, business, education and other stories of public interest.
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