The Church of Uganda has called on the newly crowned Tooro King, Edward Rukidi Nyabongo I, to remain committed to his marriage and uphold the Christian principle of monogamy as he settles into his new role.
The message was delivered by Rwenzori Bishop Reuben Bizarwenda Kisembo during a prayer service at St John’s Cathedral held ahead of the King’s coronation on Tuesday.
Nyabongo attended the service with his wife, Queen Rebecca Amoding, where Bishop Kisembo reminded him that his Christian faith carries specific expectations regarding marriage.
“I know that our king is an Anglican. He subscribes to the Christian religion, and the Christian matrimonial vows give you one wife. That is the biblical teaching. Monogamy,” the bishop said.
The bishop further encouraged the King to remain true to the commitments he made before God and to maintain his marriage to Queen Rebecca throughout his reign.
“We know that some people seek out other women later in marriage, but polygamy has some challenges. Since you are a Christian king, please stick to the marital vows that you made. That is our humble advice as the church,” he said.
The remarks come at a time when aspects of Tooro’s royal succession continue to generate public interest, particularly questions concerning whether the children of King Nyabongo and Queen Rebecca Amoding would be eligible to inherit the throne.
Queen Rebecca, who comes from the Iteso community, became Tooro’s Queen following her marriage to Nyabongo. Her background has, however, featured in discussions about succession and the interpretation of Tooro customary practices.
The Babiito Royal Clan has maintained that Queen Rebecca’s origin does not diminish her position as Queen or her status as the King’s wife.
However, Babiito Clan spokesman Rev. Fr. Dr Charles Oyo has previously been quoted explaining that, under the clan’s interpretation of Tooro customary succession, an heir to the throne must be born to a mother from one of the recognised clans of Tooro.
Under this interpretation, the children of Queen Rebecca would not be eligible to succeed their father.
Fr. Oyo has also explained that marrying the King does not automatically make Queen Rebecca a member of a Tooro clan. He noted, however, that clan membership is not a requirement for her recognition as Queen.
The succession discussion follows the death of former Tooro King Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru Rukidi IV on August 27, 2026, after which the process of identifying his successor drew considerable attention.
Nyabongo I was eventually selected to take over the throne, although his succession has attracted objections from some members of the royal family who argue that the late King Oyo left behind a son who has a claim to the throne.
As Nyabongo begins his reign, the Church of Uganda has placed emphasis on his Christian responsibilities, particularly his marriage vows, while the Babiito royal establishment continues to deal with differing interpretations of customary rules governing succession.
