By Sadique Bamwita
FORTPORTAL
Following the demise of King Oyo Nyimba Iguru Rukidi 1V, who died a week ago, the succession battled has cropped up with Prince George Kamurasi Desmond, 36, emerging as the preferred candidate of the Babiito Royal Succession Committee.
It’s reported that Kamurasi has secured 15 of the 18 votes cast during a closed-door meeting of senior members of the Babiito clan on Friday, September 4, 2026, at Fort Motel in Fort Portal City.
This places Kamurasi as the most preferred successor after majority of the members who participated in the formal process to identify a successor to the late monarch, who died on August 26, 2026, in Texas, United States, gave him the vote. However, the selection doesn’t formalize his public installation or announcement of a new King.
Based on Tooro customs, the formal announcement is expected to be made by Omusuuga Charles Akiiki Kamurasi, the chairman of the Royal Succession Committee, after the burial of King Oyo.
The Royal Succession Committee which comprises of 21 members was selected by the Babiito clan on August 28, 2026, following the death of King Oyo.
18 out of 21 members attended Friday’s final physical meeting, with 15 voting in favour of George Kamurasi.
Omusuuga Charles Kamurasi participated virtually, having been unable to physically attend because he was tasked with receiving the late King’s body at the Palace.
Two other members including; Omubiito Kati Rose Mpuro and Omubiito Kati Martha Rabwoni reportedly did not attend and did not provide reasons or apologies.
The members involved in the process include Omusuuga Charles Kamurasi, Msgr. Dr. Isaac Mayombo, Fr. Dr. Charles Oyo, Omubiito Dr. Kagoro Kaijamurubi, Omubiito Job Karamagi, Omubiito Gilbert Mujogya, Omubiito Mbogo Rukidi, Omubiito Isaac Rwabwoni, Justice Mugamba Paul, David Mugamba, Hon. Harriet Nyakake, Hon. Muganzi Patrick, Omubiito Kawamara Patrick, Omubiito Sam Rukidi, Omubiito Kato Rwakatale, Omubiito Olimi Hassan, Omubiito Rose Mpuro, Omubiito Martha Mugamba, Omubiito Martha Rabwoni and Omubiito Ruth Ogeni Komuntale Akiiki.
Sources close to Omusuuga Kamurasi indicate that he expressed satisfaction with the outcome and was happy that George had emerged as the committee’s choice.
Kamurasi reportedly beat his closest challenger, Edward Kiijanangoma, the younger brother of Prince David Kiijanangoma Araali, who is currently battling stage-four throat cancer.
Kijjanangoma’s candidacy had been closely monitored by sections of the Babiito establishment.
But the committee ultimately settled on Kamurasi.
Facts about Kamurasi
George Kamurasi Desmond is a member of the royal Babiito lineage and currently lives in the United States. He is the son of the late George Desmond “Jimmy” Mugenyi and grandson of the late King George Rukidi III.
His family background gives him a direct connection to the Tooro royal line and places him within the historical succession arrangements of the kingdom.
According to accounts cited in the succession discussions, his father, Jimmy Mugenyi, was the younger brother of King Patrick Matthew Kaboyo Olimi II and was reportedly second in line to succeed his brother under the succession arrangements associated with their father, the late King George Rukidi III. Kamurasi is also a cousin of the late King Oyo.
