Prince David Mugabe Kijanangoma, the elder brother of the newly selected Omukama of the Tooro Kingdom, Prince Edward Rukidi Kijanangoma, has been laid to rest.
He was buried on Friday at the Karambi Royal Tombs in Fort Portal City.
Kijanangoma died on Tuesday aged 59 after battling throat cancer. He was the son of Paul Kijanangoma and grandson of Omukama Sir George Rukidi III, a former king of Tooro.
While leading the funeral service at St John’s Cathedral in Fort Portal City, Canon Robert Abigaba, the Dean of Rwenzori Diocese, urged Christians to strengthen their relationship with God while still alive, saying people should be spiritually prepared for the day they are called by God.
He said every person has an assignment on earth and that the good and bad deeds committed during one’s lifetime would determine their judgment.
He comforted the family and friends of Kijanangoma to be strong and accept the will of God in calling him at this time because he had a reason.
Kijanangoma’s burial came days after the death of his cousin Omukama Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru Rukidi IV, who died while receiving cancer treatment in the United States.
The two royals had previously been involved in a dispute after Kijanangoma challenged Oyo’s reign.
Kijanangoma accused Oyo of spending much of his time away from Tooro and criticised the influence of the Queen Mother Best Kemigisa in the administration of the kingdom.
However, the two later reconciled after the intervention of President Museveni. During the funeral service, members of the family said they were grateful that the two had resolved their differences before their deaths.
Andrew Irumba, a close friend of Kijanangoma, described him as a brother who stood by him during some of the most difficult periods of his life.
He described him as selfless, loving, and kind, saying Kijanangoma often used his resources to help others rather than for his own benefit.
Grace Kijanangoma, a sister to Kijanangoma, described him as a loving person who grew up sharing whatever he had with his siblings and later extended the same generosity to other people.
Winnie Mbabazi, the widow, described her husband as a remarkable man who freely gave his time, wisdom, kindness, and whatever he could to those around him. She noted that he was a generous and loving person to his family.
Musuuga Charles Kamurasi, the head of the Babiito royal clan, said the past few days had been difficult for the royal family and Tooro following the deaths of Omukama Oyo and Kijanangoma.
He, however, urged the people of Tooro to remain united and peaceful as they also prepare for the coronation of the new King.
In his message, which was read by Bernard Kato Rwakatale, the Assistant Musuuga, Prince Edward Rukidi Kijanangoma, the crown King, thanked God for allowing Kijanangoma and Oyo to reconcile before their deaths.
Rwakatale said Kijanangoma had written to Oyo seeking forgiveness and that the late king had accepted his apology.
President Yoweri Museveni, in a condolence message read by Brig Gen Henry Isoke, mourned Kijanangoma and Oyo, whose deaths occurred within days of each other.
Museveni said Kijanangoma was passionate about preserving Tooro’s cultural heritage, norms and language, adding that his death was a loss to the kingdom.