Uganda's young king buried as royal family battles over succession to throne

Uganda laid to rest King Oyo Nyimba on Saturday following an emotional funeral service in an Anglican cathedral in Fort Portal, near the Congo border, as a bitter succession dispute continues to divide the royal family and captivate the nation.

The traditional monarch of Tooro Kingdom, who became the world's youngest reigning king when he ascended the throne as an infant in 1995, died last month from cancer at the age of 34. He was buried next to his ancestors, concluding a nine-day mourning period.

Conflicting Claims Over Royal Succession

The succession crisis has exposed deep fractures within the kingdom. Elders from the Babiito, the kingdom's ruling clan, said the unmarried Oyo never declared an heir to them. This account contradicts claims by others in the kingdom who said he left behind a son born out of wedlock.

The son has not been publicly identified, fuelling sensational claims on social media of at least two possible heirs alleged to be Oyo's children.

Prince Named as Successor Amid Family Outcry

On Wednesday, a committee of Tooro elders announced they had chosen a prince working as a journalist to succeed Oyo. The decision has earned praise from traditionalists who want an adult on the throne but drawn rebuke from Oyo's closest relatives.

Oyo's sister, Ruth Komuntale, said the announcement sought to "bring division and turmoil". Queen Mother Best Kemigisa said in a statement that the succession battle undermined their ability to mourn the king's death.

"I also appeal to those fighting over the throne: please, there will be time for all of that," she said in a statement. "Let us grieve and bury my son King Oyo".

The dispute has gripped Uganda as the royal family attempts to navigate both grief and the question of who will lead one of the country's prominent traditional kingdoms.

Source: South China Morning Post