Olimi II of Tooro

Rukirabasaija Kasunga Nyaika Kyebambe l was Omukama of the Tooro Kingdom, from 1872 until 1875. He was the fifth (5th) Omukama of Tooro. ^{[1] [2]}

Background

The Kingdom of Tooro emerged in the sixteenth century as a breakaway state from the larger Bunyoro-Kitara kingdom. ^[1] It was founded by members of the Babiito dynasty, which claimed descent from the rulers of Bunyoro and provided Tooro with its early monarchs. ^[3]

The regnal name Olimi was borne by several kings of Tooro, and numerical distinctions are used by modern historians to differentiate them. ^[4]

Claim to the throne

He was the eldest son of Kaboyo Olimi l, Omukama of Tooro, who reigned between 1866 and 1871 and between 1871 and 1872. It is not known who his mother was. He ascended to the throne following the death of his father in 1872.

Married life

The wives of Omukama Olimi II included: ^{[ citation needed ]}

• Vikitoria Kahinju, of the Ababopi clan, sister of Togwe Rusoke, sometime Prime Minister of Tooro.

Offspring

The children of Omukama Olimi II included:

1. Rukirabasaija Daudi Kasagama Kyebambe III, Omukama of Toro, who reigned between 1891 and 1928, whose mother was Vikitoria Kahinju.
2. Prince (Omubiito) Musuga. He fled to Ankole where he was murdered on the orders of Kiboga, the Queen Mother of Ankole.
3. Prince (Omubiito) Kamurasi. He fled to Ankole where he was murdered on the orders of Kiboga, the Queen Mother of Ankole.
4. Prince (Omubiito) Zedekiya Nkojo.
5. Princess (Omubiitokati) Mukakiyabara Maliza Bagaya Rwigirwa. She was installed as the Batebe to her brother Daudi Kasagama Kyebambe III, on August 16, 1891. In 1871, she married Rukirabasaija Agutamba Chwa II Kabarega, Omukama of Bunyoro-Kitara who was born in 1853. Daudi Agutamba Chwa was the second son of Rukirabasaija Agutamba Kyebambe IV Kamurasi, Omukama of Bunyoro-Kitara.
6. Princess (Omubiitokati) Lilian Nyinabarongo.
7. Princess (Omubiitokati) Leya Kakura.
8. A daughter, whose name is not given, who in 1871 married Nyakusinga Rubambansi Mutambuka, the Omugabe of Ankole at that time.

His reign

In 1875, Omukama Olimi II was captured and deported to Bunyoro by an army sent by Omukama Chwa II Kabarega. He escaped when British and Buganda forces invaded Bunyoro in 1893/1894. However, he died before he was able to return to the Tooro Kingdom.

The final years

Omukama Kyebambe Olimi II died in Buganda in 1894.

Succession table

Preceded by Nyaika Kyebambe

Omukama of Tooro 1872–1875

Succeeded by Isingoma Rukidi II

See also

• Omukama of Tooro

References

1. John, Stewart (1989). African States and Rulers. London: McFarland. p. 205. ISBN   0-89950-390-X.
2. Farelius, Birgitta (2012). Origins of Kingship Traditions and Symbolism in the Great Lakes Region of Africa. Fountain Publishers. ISBN   9789970199327.
3. Karugire, Samwiri Rubaraza (1980). A Political History of Uganda. London: Heinemann Educational Books. pp. 32–34. ISBN   9780435945244.
4. Ehret, Christopher (2002). The Civilizations of Africa: A History to 1800. Charlottesville: University Press of Virginia. pp. 190–192. ISBN   9780852554753.