By Spy Uganda
The final chapter of Prince David Kiijanangoma’s life has been remembered not for the disagreements that once divided him from the Tooro throne, but for the reconciliation he reached with his late cousin, Omukama Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru Rukidi IV.
Kiijanangoma, 59, was laid to rest at the Karambi Royal Tombs in Fort Portal on Friday, weeks after the death and burial of King Oyo at the same royal site.
Members of the Tooro royal family used the funeral to highlight the reconciliation between the two royals, describing it as an important lesson for a kingdom that has experienced disagreements over its leadership and succession.
Kiijanangoma, a son of the late Prince Christopher Paul Kiijanangoma, had previously been involved in a bitter disagreement over Oyo’s reign. In 2015, he opposed the young king’s leadership and was accused of attempting to challenge his position.
The relationship later changed, with the two reconciling in 2017.
According to King Edward Rukiidi Nyabongo I, the reconciliation was reaffirmed before Kiijanangoma’s death after the prince wrote to Oyo seeking forgiveness.
In remarks delivered on his behalf by Assistant Musuuga Kato Rwakatale during the funeral service at St John’s Cathedral of Ruwenzori Diocese, Nyabongo said Oyo received Kiijanangoma’s message and responded by forgiving his cousin.
“I thank God to see that my brother David and the late Oyo had reconciled by the time of his death,” Nyabongo said.
He said Oyo subsequently instructed then Tooro Prime Minister Calvin Armstrong Rwomiire and Kato Rwakatale to visit Kiijanangoma and convey his message of forgiveness.
Nyabongo said the reconciliation should serve as a lesson to members of the Tooro community, particularly on the importance of forgiveness and unity.
The message came against the backdrop of significant changes within the Tooro royal family following Oyo’s death and the subsequent selection of Nyabongo as the new Omukama by the Babiito royal clan.
President Yoweri Museveni also described Kiijanangoma’s death as a significant loss to Tooro, coming shortly after the death of King Oyo.
In a condolence message delivered by Maj Gen Henry Isoke (Head of State House Anti-Corruption Unit), Museveni said Kiijanangoma had demonstrated a strong commitment to preserving Tooro’s cultural identity, including its customs, norms and language.
“On behalf of the government, the NRM party and on my own behalf, I extend heartfelt condolences to the family for the suffering of the double tragedy of losing the late King Oyo and also the late Prince David Kiijanangoma in quick succession,” Museveni said.
Kiijanangoma’s wife, Winnie Mbabazi, remembered him beyond his royal background, describing him as a generous husband, devoted father and talented writer.
She said he had hoped to write books drawing from his knowledge and experiences but died before fulfilling the ambition.
“He had plans to write books when he had so much knowledge, so many thoughts and so many stories. Sadly, he did not get the opportunity to fulfil that dream,” Mbabazi said.
She said his legacy would instead live through the people he influenced and the wisdom he shared.
Kiijanangoma leaves behind his wife, seven children and members of the royal family.
His burial comes at a significant moment for Tooro, following the death of King Oyo and the installation process of Nyabongo I.
