Juma Witonze Kiseka, the Minister of State for Internal Affairs, assured the public that Tooro Kingdom Queen Mother Best Kemigisa is not under house arrest.
The minister explained that the security deployment around the royal palace is a standard protocol to ensure safety during the mourning period of King Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru Rukidi IV.
In a statement shortly after paying tribute at the Karuzika royal palace, the minister urged Tooro subjects to remain calm and await guidance from President Yoweri Museveni.
He noted that the succession process should be conducted with dignity and respect for the kingdom’s customs, warning against any actions that could spark chaos.
On Thursday, Queen Kemigisa responded to members of the Babiito royal clan, who announced Prince Edward Kijanangoma as the new king.
She said that she and her family were under house arrest and called on the President and UPDF leadership to return their freedom during this period of mourning.
Meanwhile, Brigadier Ronnie Balya, Uganda’s ambassador to South Sudan, called on the people of Tooro to demonstrate patience and unity.
He urged them to avoid discussions that could deepen divisions, stressing that all unresolved matters related to succession will be addressed through proper channels.
The calls for peace and unity come amid growing debates over the succession process in the kingdom.
On Wednesday, members of the Babiito royal clan, comprising a 21-member committee announced Prince Kijanangoma as the new king of Tooro.
Moments later, Princess Ruth Komuntale Nsemere flanked by her aunties Princes Elizabeth Bagaya and Margret Komubaizi rejected Kijanangoma as the new king saying late Oyo left behind a will setting the succession process, including his son to be the successor.