By Joseph Kiggundu
ENTEBBE — The remains of Tooro’s late King, Omukama Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru Rukidi IV, arrived in Uganda on Friday, September 4, 2026, beginning the final leg of preparations for his burial.
President Yoweri Museveni was at Entebbe International Airport to receive the remains and pay tribute to the 34-year-old monarch, who died in the United States on August 27 after receiving medical treatment.
The Queen Mother, Best Kemigisa, and other members of the royal family accompanied the casket on its journey back home.
Following the airport ceremony, the President was expected to meet briefly with the Queen Mother and selected members of the royal family before the remains were flown by helicopter to Kyegegwa District.
From Kyegegwa, the casket will be taken by road towards Fort Portal, passing through Kyegegwa, Kyenjojo and Kabarole districts. The route is expected to give members of the public an opportunity to line the road and bid farewell to the fallen king.
The procession will eventually reach Karuziika Palace, where the body will lie in state as Tooro begins a nine-day official mourning period.
King Oyo’s final resting place
The late king is scheduled to be buried on Saturday, September 12, at the Karambi Royal Tombs in Kabarole.
The burial date falls on the 31st anniversary of his accession to the Tooro throne in 1995, when he became king at only three years old and was recognised at the time as the world’s youngest reigning monarch.
His death has sparked widespread mourning across Tooro and beyond, bringing together government officials, cultural leaders, the royal family and thousands of mourners preparing to honour his life and reign.
Government supports repatriation
The Ugandan Government has taken responsibility for expenses related to the late king’s medical care and the transportation of his remains from the United States through Nairobi to Entebbe.
Minister for the Presidency Milly Babalanda told Parliament that President Museveni provided resources towards the medical and repatriation costs as Government works with Tooro Kingdom and the royal family to ensure a dignified farewell.
The remains departed Dallas Fort Worth International Airport on Wednesday, September 2, following prayers attended by relatives, friends and Ugandan officials.
Succession question
Attention is also turning to the future leadership of Tooro Kingdom.
Kingdom officials have indicated that King Oyo left behind a male heir, whose identity is expected to be announced in accordance with Tooro’s cultural and succession traditions.
For now, however, the kingdom remains focused on giving the late monarch a dignified farewell as Tooro observes its mourning period.