FORT PORTAL, UGANDA — The Tooro Kingdom has formally notified President of Uganda Gen. (Rtd) Yoweri Kaguta Museveni Tibuhaburwa of the death of Omukama Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru Rukidi IV, describing the monarch’s passing as a profound loss to the kingdom.
In a message to the president, Tooro Kingdom Prime Minister Calvin Armstrong Rwomiire Akiiki expressed deep sorrow over the death of the 34-year-old king and acknowledged Museveni’s longstanding relationship with the monarch.
The prime minister said the people of Tooro recognised the close bond between the president and the late king, whom Museveni had supported and guided from a young age.
“Tooro Kingdom, with profound sadness, wishes to officially inform His Excellency the President of Uganda, as the Mukwajara Kondo and guardian to the Omukama,” Rwomiire said in the statement.
He said the kingdom could not imagine the grief caused by the death of the king, adding that Museveni had remained a key figure in Oyo’s life and reign.
The kingdom said the president had helped raise and guide Oyo from childhood and remained his guardian until his death, a relationship it described as one of loyalty and stewardship that would be remembered for generations.
The kingdom thanked Museveni for the love and support he had extended to the late king and to the people of Tooro, saying the kingdom would continue to regard him as a guardian and friend during the difficult period.
Oyo, who was one of Africa’s longest-serving traditional monarchs, died aged 34 while receiving medical treatment in the United States. The Tooro Kingdom announced his death on Thursday, August 27.
The cause of death has not been officially disclosed by the kingdom. Some media reports have linked his death to cancer, but that claim has not been formally confirmed by the royal authorities.
Oyo became Omukama of Tooro in 1995 at the age of three, following the death of his father, King Patrick Matthew Kaboyo Olimi III.
His coronation made him internationally known as the world’s youngest reigning monarch.
As he grew older, Oyo gradually assumed greater responsibility for the affairs of the kingdom and formally took on full royal duties as an adult.
His death brings to an end a three-decade reign that began when he was a child and saw him become one of Uganda’s most prominent traditional leaders.
His passing is expected to trigger a period of mourning across Tooro, with arrangements for his funeral and succession expected to be announced by the kingdom.
