Museveni said on Saturday that the government would work with whoever emerges as the next king once the succession dispute is resolved, urging the people of Tooro to prioritise unity.

“When the issue of the new king of Batooro is resolved, we shall be happy to work with the new king as we did with His Highness Oyo,” Museveni said.

His remarks were delivered by Uganda’s Deputy Speaker Thomas Tayebwa during King Oyo’s burial service at St John’s Cathedral in Fort Portal.

Museveni’s comments came as disagreement continued over the choice of Oyo’s successor.

The Babiito clan, which oversees the royal succession, declared Prince Edward Rukidi Kijanangoma as the new King of Tooro during the late monarch’s final send-off.

Prince Charles Akiiki Kamurasi, the Musuuga and head of the Babiito Clan, said the selection was made by princes and princesses under his leadership and followed Uganda’s laws, as well as Tooro traditions and customs.

But members of Oyo’s immediate family have rejected the decision.

Princess Ruth Komuntale, Oyo’s sister, said the late king left a will in 2022 naming his young son as heir to the throne. Princess Elizabeth Bagaya, Oyo’s paternal aunt, and Margaret Komubaizi, assistant Batebe of Tooro, have also backed the family’s position, saying consultations over the will had not been completed.

The dispute has emerged following Oyo’s death last month at the age of 34 while undergoing cancer treatment in the United States.

Oyo became king at the age of three and was recognised by Guinness World Records as the world’s youngest reigning monarch at the time. He ruled Tooro for more than three decades.

The kingdom is one of Uganda’s traditional institutions, which were abolished in 1967 and restored in the 1990s under Museveni. The monarchs are recognised as cultural leaders rather than political or administrative authorities.

Museveni said Oyo had maintained a good relationship with the central government by focusing on his cultural responsibilities and supporting development.

“He was a good leader of culture that never clashed with the central government because he remained in his lane of culture and mobilising people for development,” Museveni said.

“It is a big loss. May his soul rest in eternal peace.”

Museveni also stressed that Uganda’s cultural leaders are not meant to participate in politics, administration or legislation, but to preserve languages, customs and traditions.

He said traditional institutions could also contribute to economic development by promoting wealth creation.

During Saturday’s burial service, Archbishop of the Church of Uganda Stephen Kazimba Mugalu also appealed for unity, warning that statements made during grief could deepen divisions and undermine Oyo’s legacy.

The Babiito clan has defended its decision to name Kijanangoma, with its head saying the succession process followed Tooro’s culture and traditions.

Museveni said the priority should now be finding a peaceful solution that preserves unity among the Batooro.

“I appeal to the Batooro to use peaceful and legal means to resolve this matter and also look for maximum unity instead of division,” he said.