For many Ugandans, Kijanangoma was known not as the heir to the throne but as a storyteller and editor at the state broadcaster. Now he has become the subject of media attention himself, his rise to the Tooro throne sparking controversy and widespread reactions beyond the country.
Tooro is one of Uganda's four main officially recognised historical kingdoms. For the last 31 years, it had been headed by King Oyo, who ascended to the throne in 1995 at age three following his father's death. He was once known as a "boy king" and ruled until his death last month from cancer.
The coronation is a day for celebration, involving traditional practices starting from midnight. The new king walks about 4km (2.5 miles) to the official Karuziika royal palace where he is crowned. A mock fight follows, to signify that kingship does not come easy, and he is then blessed by members of the royal Babiito clan, the Tooro kingdom's Information Minister Charles Mwanguhya told the BBC Focus on Africa podcast. He performs other ceremonies that signify his assumption of the throne, before sitting on the throne and having an actual crown placed on his head.
But the selection of Kijanangoma as king was far from straightforward. According to tradition, a recognised son of the late king should succeed him. Close members of the royal family said Oyo had left a young son and a will with instructions that the child should be next on the throne. However, the son has never been revealed to the public and nor was he recognised by the committee of 21 Babiito clan members who choose the king and eventually selected Kijanangoma. The late King Oyo was never publicly married, and little is known about his wife or their son.