Non-league goalkeeper from London chosen to rule kingdom in Uganda

From the FA Cup to becoming king

The non-league goalkeeper, George Kamurasi, made an appearance in the FA Cup just last month but now has a new challenge to look forward to.

The SE Dons captain has been chosen to take the throne of the kingdom in Uganda, The Telegraph reported.

The 36-year-old keeper has been chosen as the next Omukama, or king, of the subnational constitutional monarchy in Uganda.

His accession to the throne comes following the death of his cousin, who previously held the role.

As the youngest reigning monarch at the time since 1995 when he was only 3 years old,
King Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru Rukidi IV had led the traditional kingdom, with a population of around 800,000.

Rukidi IV passed away in late August after getting treated for cancer.

Ugandan officials announced at the time of his death that in his honour they would plant one million trees.

How the non-league goalkeeper was chosen to succeed him

Ugandan media reported that on Friday, a royal succession committee of 21 members selected Kamurasi, the SE Dons goalkeeper, to replace Rukidi IV.

“The new king Desmond Kamurasi looks like a strong mobiliser, no nonsense, aggressive. For the people of Tooro, that’s a good thing”, Cynthia Natkoto, an author from Uganda said.

According to the will of George Rukidi III, their late grandfather and former king of Tooro, Kamurasi was second in line to succeed his uncle Olimi Kaboyo II after his cousin.

Meanwhile, in Uganda there have been mixed reports about the possibility that his cousin, who never married, left a secret heir who would be a potential successor.

As The Times reports, the claim is disputed by the head of Tooro’s royal clan, who said Rukidi IV had no children.

Tooro, in western Uganda, is one of four traditional kingdoms left in the country.
While the leadership role of the omukama is understood to be cultural rather than political, a formal declaration is expected next week.

According to news sites in Uganda, Kamurasi is said to be reluctant to leave the UK.

The goalkeeper played in the FA Cup with his team SE Dons on Saturday to beat Erith Town 2-0 and reach the second qualifying round.