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 Uganda Law Society President, Isaac K. Ssemakadde noted that Katunji was surrendered to the United States on a Saturday even though a five-judge constitutional petition and an application for interim protection were pending, with a hearing apparently scheduled for the following Monday.
“When I came here and heard Pastor Kayanja talking about African integration, I said, ‘Praise the Lord,’ because we have already started the AfCFTA,” Museveni noted.
The appeal calls for a calm, credible process to examine the Will, hear all sides, and consider customs and applicable law, rather than competing announcements and attempts to create facts on the ground during mourning.
The President said he later learnt from Queen Mother Best Kemigisa that Oyo had left behind a young boy who would eventually be presented to the public.
Harald was born on February 21st, 1937, and his early childhood was shaped by the Second World War. When Nazi Germany invaded Norway in 1940, the young prince and members of his family went into exile in the United States before eventually returning home after the war.
Their appearance on football's biggest stage came after weeks of uncertainty. Ebola-related travel restrictions affecting travellers from Uganda had initially cast doubt over whether the troupe would be able to travel to the United States. However, the concerns were eventually resolved, allowing the children to make the journey and complete rehearsals in time for the show.