By Jazeerah Mirembe
The Tooro Kingdom is in deep mourning following the death of its traditional ruler, Omukama Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru Rukidi IV.
King Oyo ,34 passed away on Thursday evening at approximately 10:00 p.m.
The announcement was made in an official statement by the Prime Minister (Omuhikirwa) of Tooro Kingdom, Mr. Calvin Armstrong Rwomiire Akiiki, who described the monarch’s passing as an immeasurable loss to the Royal Family, the people of Tooro, and the nation of Uganda.
“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, at approximately 10:00 p.m. this evening,” Mr. Rwomiire stated. “This is an immeasurable loss to the Royal Family, the people of Tooro, and the nation of Uganda. Omukama Atulize. Enkuba Etutire.”
The Prime Minister called for solidarity across the region and urged the Abatooro to remain calm and prayerful while assuring subjects that traditional structures would maintain stability during the transition.
“I call upon the people of Tooro to remain united, calm, and prayerful during this difficult time. The continuity of the Crown is assured,” Mr. Rwomiire said. “His Majesty leaves behind a Prince as his heir, whose identity will be formally revealed at the appropriate time, in accordance with the traditions and customs of Tooro Kingdom.”
The news of his death comes after weeks of health uncertainty, during which kingdom officials initially dismissed reports of illness on August 3, stating the King was abroad for engagements and studies. However, on Thursday afternoon, both Kingdom authorities and the Minister of Local Government, Mr Balaam Barugahara, confirmed the 34-year-old monarch was critically ill and receiving medical treatment in the United States, appealing to the public for prayers and restraint against unverified rumors.
Born on April 16, 1992, to the late King Patrick David Matthew Kaboyo Olimi III and Queen Mother Best Kemigisa, King Oyo ascended the throne on September 12, 1995, following his father’s sudden death on August 26, 1995. Aged just three at his coronation, he was recognized by Guinness World Records as the youngest reigning monarch in the world. Due to his youth, a regency comprising Queen Mother Best Kemigisa, Princess Elizabeth Bagaaya, Prince James Desmond Mugenyi, and President Yoweri Museveni as a guardian managed kingdom affairs until King Oyo assumed full operational control upon turning 18 in April 2010.
Throughout his 31-year reign, King Oyo championed youth empowerment, education, climate conservation, and health advocacy, notably serving as a global ambassador for HIV/AIDS awareness and launching the Tooro Kingdom Vision 2045 development framework. Detailed funeral and mourning arrangements are expected to be announced by the Royal Family and Tooro Kingdom administration shortly.