Tooro Prince David Kijanangoma Araali has died at the Uganda Cancer Institute in Mulago, where he had been receiving treatment for throat cancer.
Kijanangoma’s death was confirmed on Tuesday by Vincent Mugume, the Tooro Kingdom spokesperson.
The prince had been battling Stage Three throat cancer for more than a year. In April, his family appealed for financial assistance after his condition deteriorated, saying about Shs 700 million was needed to facilitate specialised treatment in India.
At the time, Kijanangoma was undergoing chemotherapy at Nakasero Hospital and the Uganda Cancer Institute.
Kijanangoma was the elder brother of Prince Edward Kijanangoma Amooti, who was recently selected as the new Omukama of Tooro following the death and burial of King Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru Rukidi IV.
His death adds another loss to the Tooro royal family just days after the kingdom buried Oyo at the Karambi Royal Tombs, and as the royal establishment grapples with a dispute over the succession.
Challenged Oyo’s reign
Kijanangoma was also a prominent and controversial figure in Tooro’s recent history.
In 2015, he openly challenged Oyo’s leadership, accusing the young monarch of failing to properly execute his responsibilities. He subsequently declared himself king, triggering a succession dispute within the royal family.
Kijanangoma was a grandson of former Tooro King Omukama Sir George David Rukidi III and a cousin of the late Oyo.
His family has suffered other losses. His brother, Prince Charles Happy Kijanangoma, was killed in Fort Portal in 1999.
David Kijanangoma’s death therefore comes at a particularly difficult moment for the Tooro royal family, which is mourning Oyo while facing competing claims over who should succeed him.
Details of Kijanangoma’s burial arrangements and the official programme are expected to be announced by his family and Tooro Kingdom auth