London footballer emerges as possible successor to Uganda’s throne

A London-based footballer has emerged as the leading candidate to become the next king of Toro, a traditional kingdom in western Uganda, following the death of its 34-year-old monarch last month.

George Desmond Kamurasi, 36, who plays as a goalkeeper and captains London club SE Dons in England’s ninth-tier football league, was elected by the Commission on the Succession to the Throne of Toro, The Times reports.

Kamurasi is a cousin of the late King Rukirabazaya Oyo Niimba Kabamba Iguru Rukidi IV. He received the support of 15 of the 18 commission members present at the vote. The commission has 21 members in total.

However, the reported selection has not been officially confirmed by Moses Musingusi, a representative of the ruling clan. He said it had recently emerged that the late king had left behind a son, potentially affecting the succession process.

King Oyo died on August 27 after a long battle with cancer. He became the ruler of Toro in 1995 at the age of three and a half, and was recognised by Guinness World Records in 2025 as the world’s youngest reigning monarch.

Kamurasi’s potential transition from semi-professional football to traditional royalty has attracted attention, with supporters describing his outspoken and direct style, including his use of profanity during football team talks, as evidence of a “no-nonsense” personality.

King Oyo’s funeral is scheduled for September 12, when the identity of the new monarch is expected to be formally announced.

By Sabina Mammadli