ENTEBBE — President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has received the remains of the late Omukama Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru Rukidi IV at Entebbe International Airport, describing the fallen Tooro King as a great leader whose reign was marked by efforts to improve the welfare of his people and contribute to Uganda’s development.
The King’s remains arrived in Uganda aboard charter aircraft 5Y-FAM, an Embraer EMB-120RT Brasilia turboprop operated by Freedom Airline Express, a Kenyan airline.
Omukama Oyo died on August 27, 2026, in the United States, where he had been undergoing treatment for cancer.
Speaking at Entebbe International Airport, President Museveni paid tribute to the late King and reflected on his journey from childhood and school years to his ascension to the Tooro throne and leadership of the kingdom.
Museveni highlighted Omukama Oyo’s leadership qualities, commitment to his people and contribution to the development of Tooro and Uganda.
The President also spoke about the King’s battle with cancer, revealing that he first met Omukama Oyo in November last year, when the monarch informed him about his medical condition.
Museveni said the King subsequently sought medical treatment in Germany before continuing treatment in the United States.
The President called for calm among the people of Tooro as they mourn their King, urging them to remain united during this difficult period.
He was accompanied at Entebbe International Airport by members of the bereaved Royal Family, Tooro Kingdom officials and other dignitaries, as he paid his last respects to the fallen monarch.
The arrival of the remains marks the beginning of the official mourning period as the people of Tooro and Uganda honour the life and legacy of Omukama Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru Rukidi IV.
Following the reception ceremony at Entebbe, the casket containing the King’s remains was airlifted to Kyegegwa District.
From Kyegegwa, a public procession will pass through Kyegegwa, Kyenjojo and Kabarole districts before entering Fort Portal City and proceeding to Karuziika Palace, where further burial and mourning arrangements will take place.
