FORT PORTAL — King Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru Rukidi IV, the monarch of Uganda’s Tooro Kingdom who ascended the throne as a three-year-old boy and became one of Africa’s best-known traditional rulers, has died, according to an announcement by Tooro Kingdom Prime Minister Calvin Armstrong Rwomiire Akiiki.
The Prime Minister announced through his X handle formerly twitter, that the King died at about 10:00pm on Thursday.
“It is with profound sadness and a heavy heart that I announce the passing of His Majesty the Omukama of Tooro, King Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru Rukidi IV,” Akiiki said.
“This is an immeasurable loss to the Royal Family, the people of Tooro and the nation of Uganda.”
The announcement comes hours after the kingdom said the 34-year-old monarch was in critical condition and appealed for prayers and calm.
Earlier reports circulating on social media had claimed that the King had died, prompting the kingdom to warn against speculation and unverified information.
Akiiki called on the people of Tooro to remain united and calm as the kingdom begins a period of mourning.
“The continuity of the Crown is assured,” he said, adding that the King had left behind a Prince who would be recognised as his heir.
The identity of the heir would be formally announced at an appropriate time, in accordance with the traditions and customs of the Tooro Kingdom, the Prime Minister said.
An official statement on funeral and mourning arrangements is expected to follow.
King Oyo: a monarch crowned at three
Born on April 16, 1992, Oyo succeeded his father, King Patrick David Matthew Kaboyo Olimi III, after his death in 1995.
At just three years old, Oyo was crowned Omukama of Tooro, making him one of the world’s youngest reigning monarchs. He formally assumed full operational control of the kingdom after reaching the age of 18 in 2010.
For more than three decades, his reign made him a prominent cultural figure in Uganda, where traditional kingdoms operate as cultural institutions rather than political governments.
King Oyo’s public role included promoting Tooro’s cultural heritage and supporting initiatives involving education, tourism, youth empowerment, healthcare and environmental conservation.
His death brings to an end one of the most unusual royal journeys in modern African history: a child placed on a centuries-old throne who grew into an internationally recognised cultural leader.
Rwomiire Akiiki who serves as Prime Minister, or Omuhikirwa, of the Tooro Kingdom, was appointed to the position by King Oyo in February 2025.
Rwomiire’s background spans law, information technology, banking, entrepreneurship and international development. He studied information technology at United States International University-Africa in Nairobi and later obtained a Bachelor of Laws degree and a master’s degree in Refugees and International Studies from the University of East London.
As Prime Minister, he has served as the head of the kingdom’s executive administration and as a principal public voice for the monarchy.
His announcement of King Oyo’s death came after an extraordinary day of uncertainty surrounding the monarch’s health.
“Omukama Atulize. Enkuba Etutire,” Akiiki said in his mourning message, using a traditional Tooro expression associated with grief and the passing of the King.
He urged the people of Tooro to remain united, calm and prayerful.
“May His Majesty the King rest in eternal peace,” he said.
The kingdom is expected to announce further details concerning the funeral, mourning period and succession in accordance with Tooro traditions and customs.
