By Swift ReporterÂ
Tooro Kingdom has been plunged into mourning following the death of Prince David Kijanangoma Araali, who passed away on Tuesday at the Uganda Cancer Institute in Mulago after a long battle with throat cancer.
Prince Kijanangoma was an elder brother to Prince Edward Kijanangoma Amooti, who has since been selected as the new Omukama of Tooro by the Babiito royal clan.
According to Tooro Kingdom spokesperson Vincent Mugume, the prince died while undergoing treatment at the Uganda Cancer Institute, where he had been receiving care for his illness.
Prince Kijanangoma had reportedly battled the disease for more than a year and was diagnosed with stage three throat cancer. His condition deteriorated in recent months, prompting his family to appeal to the public for financial assistance to support his treatment.
In April, the family appealed for help, saying approximately Shs700 million was needed to facilitate specialised treatment in India. He had previously received treatment at Nakasero Hospital and the Uganda Cancer Institute.
His death comes at an especially difficult moment for the Tooro royal family, which is still mourning the passing of King Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru IV.
King Oyo was buried at the Karambi Royal Tombs on Saturday, with the kingdom now undergoing a major transition following his death.
The late prince was also a prominent and, at times, controversial figure in Tooro royal affairs. In 2015, he openly challenged the leadership of the then King Oyo, who was his cousin, accusing him of failing to adequately perform his royal responsibilities.
The dispute escalated when Kijanangoma declared himself king, triggering a bitter disagreement within the Tooro royal family and attracting considerable attention across the kingdom.
Prince David Kijanangoma Araali was a grandson of former Tooro King Omukama Sir George David Rukidi III.
His family has previously suffered another major loss. His elder brother, Prince Charles Happy Kijanangoma, was killed in Fort Portal in 1999.
His death therefore adds another chapter of grief to the Kijanangoma family and comes as Tooro prepares to begin a new chapter under the leadership of the newly selected King Edward Kijanangoma Amooti.
The passing of Prince David Kijanangoma Araali leaves the royal family, relatives, friends and members of the Tooro community mourning yet another prominent member at a time of profound change in the kingdom.
Details regarding his burial and funeral programme are expected to be communicated by the family and Tooro Kingdom authorities.
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