By Our Staff Reporter

FORT PORTAL, UGANDA — Saturday, September 5, 2026.
George Desmond Kamurasi has reportedly been selected by Tooro Kingdom’s Royal Succession Committee to succeed the late Omukama Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru Rukidi IV, as the kingdom awaits the formal announcement of its next monarch.

The reported decision follows a meeting of the Royal Succession Committee in Fort Portal City on September 4, where Kamurasi, 36 years, is said to have received overwhelming support from members present.

According to reports surrounding the succession process, 18 members of the 21-member committee attended the meeting, with 15 voting in favour of Kamurasi.

However, the selection is yet to be formally announced to the public by the Omusuuga, the head of the Babiito royal clan. In accordance with Tooro tradition, the official announcement of the new Omukama is expected to come after the burial of the late King Oyo.

A Successor From the Royal Bloodline
Kamurasi comes from the Babiito royal family and is a first cousin of the late King Oyo.
He is the son of Prince George Desmond “Jimmy” Mugenyi, a younger brother of former Tooro king Patrick David Matthew Kaboyo Olimi II, King Oyo’s father.

His family connection also traces directly to King George Rukidi III, one of Tooro Kingdom’s former monarchs.

The royal lineage has become central to the ongoing succession process following the death of King Oyo, whose passing left the kingdom mourning while also raising questions about who would take over the throne.

The Royal Succession Committee was subsequently constituted by the Babiito royal clan to guide the process of identifying a successor in accordance with the kingdom’s customs, traditions and established succession principles.

Reported Support From National Leaders
Journalist Andrew Mwenda, who first publicly reported the committee’s decision, said the selection of Kamurasi had received support from senior government and military leaders.

Mwenda reported that Chief of Defence Forces Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba endorsed the committee’s decision, describing the choice as consistent with Tooro customs, historical precedent and succession laws.

He further reported that President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni supported the succession committee’s decision following consultations with key stakeholders.

The developments have added further weight to Kamurasi’s reported selection as Tooro Kingdom prepares for the next stage in its transition.

For many Ugandans, George Desmond Kamurasi is a relatively unfamiliar figure.

Unlike his late cousin King Oyo, who ascended to the throne at a very young age and spent most of his life in the public eye as monarch, Kamurasi has spent much of his adult life in the United Kingdom.

Kamurasi has previously spoken publicly about personal challenges he faced as a teenager following the death of his mother. He has described how those difficult experiences eventually pushed him to take responsibility for his life and focus on building a future through football.

His journey later took him into grassroots and lower-league football in England, where he also developed a career as a goalkeeper and sports coach.

Those close to his football journey describe him as a strong advocate for discipline, accountability, hard work and resilience values he frequently shares with young players through his coaching.

A New Chapter for Tooro

If formally announced and eventually installed, Kamurasi will take on one of Uganda’s most prominent cultural leadership positions at a crucial moment for Tooro Kingdom.

His background presents a striking contrast with that of his late cousin.

King Oyo became Omukama as a child and grew up carrying the responsibilities and visibility of the Tooro throne.

Kamurasi, on the other hand, has spent much of his life away from Uganda’s royal spotlight, building a career and family life in Britain while remaining part of the wider Babiito royal lineage.

The attention will now turn to the Babiito clan and the Omusuuga, who is expected to formally communicate the kingdom’s decision in accordance with Tooro tradition after the burial of the late Omukama.

Until then, Tooro remains in a period of mourning and transition, with the kingdom and the country watching closely as one of Uganda’s most historic monarchies prepares to enter a new chapter.