Ngamba Chimps Fight for Kingship: Who Will Be the Next King?

What Happened (Background)

At Ngamba Island Chimpanzee Sanctuary in Uganda, orphaned chimpanzees rescued from poaching and illegal trade live together in a semi-wild setting under human care. Among them, male chimps compete for the position of alpha male (king) — the individual who gets priority access to food, mates (especially females in heat), leads the group socially, settles disputes, and generally holds a sort of symbolic leadership role.

When a reigning alpha male dies or is deposed, there is often a period of competition among high-ranking males. Players in this competition typically include those who are large, popular with females, socially adept (i.e. have alliances), or show strong leadership behaviors.

Key Individuals Who Have Been or Are Contenders

Some of the chimps known to be in or near the leadership contest include:

• Kisembo — has been in the race since before the previous alpha, observing, forming alliances, and gradually gathering support. He eventually became the leader in 2020.

• Umutama — was a former alpha, described as being more open in leadership style, allowing others to contribute in decision-making.

• Others like Oketch, Kalema, Robbie, and more have also been mentioned in past years as challengers or potential contenders.

How Leadership Transitions Occur

• Social dynamics & alliances: It’s not always raw strength that wins; alliances, social bonds with both males and females matter a lot. A contender who can win over others, or neutralize threats, does better.

• Display of dominance: Showing strength in conflicts, or gaining respect from females and other males.

• Timing: Races often intensify when a ruler weakens, or after a vacancy. Patience and strategy matter.

• External influences: Caregivers, sanctuary routines, feeding times, social grouping, all influence how much opportunity rivals have to challenge.

Who’s Likely the Next King (Then & Now)

• As of mid-2020, Kisembo had already made a move and become accepted by many as the alpha male after contesting with others. His strategy involved observation, alliances, and timing his challenge well.

• Before him, Umutama served as alpha, but had challengers like Kisembo who were quietly building power.

If this pattern holds, the likely next king would be one who is currently high ranking, charismatic, patient, and socially connected — someone much like Kisembo was when he rose. Others in the mix might try, but unless they can match or exceed those social and physical advantages, they may remain challengers rather than winners.

What to Watch For Going Forward

• Changes in behavior: who is feeding first, who is tolerated near females, who is getting support or deferring to whom.

• Conflicts: physical or vocal confrontations often presage shifts in power.

• Female alliances: chimps are social, and female support can tilt outcomes.

• Age and strength: as alpha males age or weaken, challengers have opportunities.

• Sanctuary management: feeding schedules, group mixings, or disruptions may create openings for contenders.

Conclusion

The kingship contest among Ngamba chimpanzees is more than just a curiosity—it offers insight into chimp social structure: dominance is as much about diplomacy as might. At present, the contest seems to favor those who combine social acumen, alliances, strength, and strategy, with past contenders like Kisembo demonstrating that the “quiet but determined” approach can win. Unless a challenger emerges with strong claims in all those categories, the likely outcome is that the next king will be one of the currently well-positioned males who is already showing leadership traits.