Volume 40 No. 27

• Thursday, September 17, 2026
• Crafton Hills College
• Uganda's Tooro

Foundation to celebrate Bright

Kingdom Hit by Nights, Brighter Futures and Honor Succession Row 2026 Outstanding Alumnus Bill Soqui port and other resources that help students overcome financial barriers and achieve their educational and career goals. Ahighlight of this year’s celebration will be the presentation of CHC’s 2026 Outstanding Alumnus Award to William “Bill” Soqui, whose connection to the college spans more

Tooro Kingdom is facing a succesthan four decades and whose career sion dispute after King Oyo Nyimhas been defined by leadership in ba, also known as Rukidi IV, died the fire service, emergency medical aged 34 while undergoing cancer services, public safety and commu- treatment in the U.S. nity service.

The royal clan's succession com- Soqui first came to CHC in 1980 mittee has chosen Oyo's cousin, and earned an associate of science Prince Edward Rukidi Kijanango-

Alumnus Bill Soqui degree in fire technology and emer ma, as the next monarch. However, gency medical services. He was a Oyo's mother, Queen Kemigisa, and YUCAIPA, CA – The Crafton Hills member of CHC’s Paramedic Pro- his sister have rejected the decision. College (CHC) Foundation will cel- gram Class No.8 in fall 1981 and They said that the late king left a ebrate the impact of education, com- soon returned to the college as an in- will, naming his son as his succesmunity and philanthropy at Bright structor, serving on the EMS faculty sor and accused the committee of Nights, Brighter Futures, its annual from 1982 to 1990, helping prepare acting without authority. fundraising event, on Wednesday, the next generation of first respond September 23, from 5:30 to 8:30 ers.

Oyo has not publicly confirmed the identity of the son and his mother, p.m. on the campus quad.

“The knowledge and experience adding to the uncertainty. The king- The annual event brings together I gained at Crafton Hills College dom's prime minister has urged both alumni, community members, busi- developed a solid foundation that sides to avoid confrontation. Rukidi ness partners and friends of the col- guided me throughout my fire ser

IV has been buried in Fort Portal lege in support of CHC students. vice and emergency medical service Proceeds provide scholarships, career,” Soqui said. emergency assistance, program sup-

See "Crafton Hills..." page 7

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