Author: Wamala

Uganda has lost several of its most recognizable personalities before they reached the age of 40, with their music, public service, business careers and royal legacies continuing to be remembered years after their deaths. From legendary Kadongo Kamu musicians to political figures and royalty, these are 10 famous Ugandans who died before turning 40. 1. Herman Basudde (1958–1997) Legendary musician Herman Basudde died on June 11, 1997, at the age of 38. Basudde was one of Uganda’s celebrated musicians, and his career came to an abrupt end when he died in a fatal car crash. His death remains one of…

Andrew Mwenda has responded to Queen Mother Best Kemigisa Olimi’s criticism of the Tooro succession process, offering his account of how a new king was selected following the death of King Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru Rukidi IV. Kemigisa had accused Mwenda of announcing a new king selected by what she described as a self-appointed group, while insisting that the late king’s Will should be respected. Mwenda disputes that characterization. According to the Ugandan journalist and media entrepreneur, an official meeting attended by more than 100 princes and princesses was held after King Oyo’s death, resulting in the selection of a…

Queen Best Kemigisa Olimi, the mother of late Tooro King Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru Rukidi IV, says royal guards at the palace in Fort Portal were removed and replaced by Uganda People’s Defence Forces troops just days before her son’s burial. In a statement shared on X, Queen Kemigisa alleged that Gen. Kayanja Muhanga came to the palace three days before the burial and removed the royal guards without notice before troops were deployed around the premises. “Now, three days to my son’s burial, Gen. Kayanja Muhanga came to the Palace and removed the royal guards without notice, and troops…

Tooro Kingdom Prime Minister Calvin Armstrong Rwomiire is calling for calm as the dispute over who should succeed the late Omukama Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru Rukidi IV continues to unfold. In a statement released Thursday, Rwomiire urged the competing sides to “lower the temperature” and allow the succession question to be handled through the appropriate cultural, legal and institutional channels. The Prime Minister acknowledged that there will be an opportunity to examine the Will reportedly left by the late king, hear those advancing different positions and consider the customs and laws governing succession. “There will be time to examine the…

Big Eye StarBoss has thrown his support behind Prince Edward Rukidi Kijanangoma as the next King of Tooro, arguing that the Kingdom needs a mature monarch who can take on the responsibilities of the throne immediately. In a Facebook post, the musician said he personally does not support the idea of Tooro once again having a young king, pointing to the challenges of waiting for a monarch to grow into the role. “They can choose whoever they want to be the King of Tooro, but personally, I do not agree with once again having a ‘baby as King’,” Big Eye…

Ugandan dancehall singer Vyper Ranking is ready to see what Kid Fox can really bring to the microphone following the veteran artist’s return to Uganda. Vyper Ranking, real name Sadam Ayire, says he welcomes Kid Fox’s competitive approach but believes the dancehall legend should be put to the test to showcase his current creativity and lyrical ability. That challenge, however, isn’t meant to erase Kid Fox’s place in Uganda’s dancehall history. Vyper Ranking acknowledges the respect Kid Fox has commanded among local dancehall artists over the years. But he believes some of that respect has taken a hit following Kid…

Dax Vibez is clearing the air over his absence from Vinka’s maiden concert, insisting there is no friction between the two artists despite missing their highly anticipated performance. The Vibrationz Ent. singer was expected to perform his duet with Vinka at her August 21 concert at Lugogo Cricket Oval after rehearsing for the appearance and even attending the soundcheck the night before. But when showtime arrived, Dax was nowhere to be seen. His absence quickly fueled speculation, including claims that he may have avoided the performance because of Vinka’s political affiliation with the ruling NRM. Dax, however, says that wasn’t…

Rising Ugandan artist Sqoop Larma is already dreaming big for 2027, with the “Temutuloga” hitmaker setting his sights on a maiden concert — and potentially one of Uganda’s biggest entertainment venues. Sqoop Larma says he wants to hold his first concert next year and is calling on promoters willing to take on the project and help turn the ambition into reality. While he isn’t insisting on a specific venue, the singer revealed that he has personally dreamed of filling Lugogo Cricket Oval. “I want to hold my maiden concert next year. If any promoter is willing to jump on this,…

The succession battle in Tooro Kingdom has taken a dramatic turn, with Queen Mother Best Kemigisa and Tooro Kingdom authorities reportedly opposing the naming of Prince Edward Kijanangoma Rukidi as the successor to the late Omukama Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru Rukidi IV. The development has thrown the question of who will occupy the Tooro throne back into uncertainty, just days before King Oyo is due to be buried. At the center of the dispute is reportedly a 2022 Will attributed to the late Omukama, which sets out a specific order of succession. According to the Will, King Oyo’s son was…

Prince Edward Kijanangoma Rukidi has reportedly been named the new Omukama of Tooro Kingdom, bringing an end to weeks of uncertainty over who would succeed the late King Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru Rukidi IV. Prince Edward is set to take over the Tooro throne following the death of King Oyo, who passed away on August 27, 2026, at the age of 34 after more than three decades as Omukama. The reported announcement comes just days before King Oyo’s burial, scheduled for Saturday, September 12, at the Tooro Royal Tombs. The question of succession had attracted significant attention since Oyo’s death,…