Edward Rukidi Kijanangoma, a 56-year-old former television journalist, has been crowned the 13th king of Uganda’s Tooro Kingdom. His ascension to the throne ends a contested succession process that began after the death of King Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru Rukidi IV, his predecessor. Kijanangoma, a cousin of the late king, was selected by a 21-member committee of the Babiito royal clan and took the royal name Edward Rukidi Nyabongo I. His coronation in Fort Portal included traditional rituals and a symbolic battle for the crown. The succession remained disputed, however, because he was not in the direct line of succession. The late king’s mother and sister say a previously undisclosed young son was named heir in a will. However, critics say the child was never introduced to the elders, a key requirement under the clan’s traditions for him to be considered heir.