By Spy Uganda
The Church of Uganda has urged Tooro’s new King, Edward Rukidi Nyabongo I, to remain faithful to his marriage vows and uphold monogamy as he begins his reign.
The call was made by Rwenzori Bishop Reuben Bizarwenda Kisembo during a prayer service at St John’s Cathedral ahead of the King’s coronation on Tuesday.
Addressing the King, who attended the service alongside his wife, Queen Rebecca Amoding, Bishop Kisembo reminded him of the teachings of the Anglican faith, which emphasise monogamous marriage.
“I know that our king is an Anglican. He subscribes to the Christian religion, and the Christian matrimonial vows give you one wife. That is the biblical teaching. Monogamy,” the bishop said.
Bishop Kisembo urged Nyabongo to honour the vows he made before God and remain committed to his wife throughout their marriage.
“We know that some people seek out other women later in marriage, but polygamy has some challenges. Since you are a Christian king, please stick to the marital vows that you made. That is our humble advice as the church,” he said.
The bishop’s message comes as questions surrounding the succession of the Tooro Kingdom continue to attract attention, particularly over the eligibility of the children of King Nyabongo and Queen Rebecca Amoding to inherit the throne.
Queen Rebecca, who is of Iteso origin, became the new Queen of Tooro following her marriage to Nyabongo. Her background outside the kingdom, however, has raised questions about the succession rights of their children under some interpretations of Tooro customs.
The Babiito Royal Clan has maintained that Queen Rebecca’s origin does not affect her status as Queen or her position as the King’s wife.
However, Babiito Clan spokesman Rev. Fr. Dr Charles Oyo recently was quoted saying that, according to the clan’s interpretation of Tooro customary succession, an heir to the throne must be born to a mother belonging to one of the recognised clans of Tooro.
Under that interpretation, the children of Queen Rebecca would not qualify to succeed their father.
Fr. Oyo has further explained that Queen Rebecca’s marriage to the King does not automatically make her a member of a Tooro clan, although she does not need to be adopted into one for her to be recognised as Queen.
The succession debate comes against the backdrop of continuing discussions over the royal lineage following the death of former King Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru Rukidi IV on August 27, 2026.
Nyabongo I was subsequently selected to succeed the late King, although his selection has faced objections from some relatives who maintain that the deceased monarch left behind a son with a claim to the throne.
As King Nyabongo begins his reign, the Church of Uganda has emphasised the importance of his Christian faith and marriage vows, while the Babiito royal establishment continues to navigate questions surrounding the interpretation and application of customary succession rules.
