Omukama Edward Rukiidi Nyabongo I, a son to Prince Christopher Paul Kiijanangoma and a grandson of Omukama George David Kamurasi Rukiidi ascended to the throne on September 29th, 2026, after the death of his cousin King Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru Rukidi IV who succumbed to cancer at the age of 34 in the United states.
The ministry officials, however, stressed that they faced a few challenges as they implemented the NRM manifesto, including lengthy agreements on land acquisition, increased vandalism, activities of artisanal miners, and inadequate funding.
The activities of the artisanal and small-scale miners (ASM) have been very prominent in the gold sector, forming the basis of most discoveries such as the Tiira and Alupe gold mines, and that they have played a critical role in the local economic development if regulated well.