He Must Marry A 2nd Wife — Royals Demand As Tooro King Nyabongo I Plans New Kitagwenda Palace

Tooro's new king, Omukama Edward Rukidi Nyabongo I, has reportedly accepted a proposal to establish a new royal palace in Kitagwenda as members of the Babiito clan push for the king to have more than one wife.

According to Babiito clan spokesperson Moses Musinguzi, Kitagwenda officials offered land for the construction of a palace when they met with the king, who welcomed the proposal.

Musinguzi said the new palace would provide the Omukama with a residence whenever he visits Kitagwenda and neighbouring Kibaale, making it easier for him to carry out royal duties in the distant areas.

He, however, linked the proposed palace to the Babiito clan's preference for the king to marry several wives, arguing that Tooro's traditions allow a Mubiito, including the Omukama, to have more than one wife.

The clan spokesperson said previous Tooro kings had multiple queens who lived in different royal residences, with one wife staying at the main palace in Karuziika.

Musinguzi stressed that the demand for multiple wives represents the position of the Babiito clan and some people in Tooro, although King Nyabongo I himself has not announced any plans to take another wife.

The debate comes shortly after the king's coronation on September 29, 2026, when Rwenzori Bishop Reuben Bizarwenda Kisembo urged him to honour his Christian marriage vows to Queen Rebecca Amoding. The Anglican bishop emphasised monogamy and encouraged the king to protect his marriage.

The Babiito have recognised Rebecca Amoding as Queen, despite her Iteso background, while questions surrounding succession and the cultural requirements for producing an heir have also emerged within the kingdom. Rev Fr Dr Charles Oyo has previously stated that, under the succession custom he described, children born to a mother outside the recognised Tooro clans would not qualify to inherit the throne.