President Museveni Mourns King Oyo of Tooro, Declares Official Burial
KAMPALA, UGANDA — President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has expressed profound sadness over the passing of His Highness Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru Rukidi IV, the King of Tooro, who died at the age of 34 after a battle with aggressive cancer.
In a statement addressed to Ugandans, especially the Bazzukulu (grandchildren), the President extended heartfelt condolences to the Royal Family of Tooro and the entire nation on behalf of himself, Maama Janet, and all Ugandans.
“How unfair life can be!! He was orphaned while still young and he has died young,” President Museveni lamented.
The President revealed that Her Royal Highness Kemigisa, Nyinomukama (Queen Mother), had informed him months earlier about the King’s aggressive cancer diagnosis. The Government provided support for the royal family to seek treatment in Germany and later in the United States, where the King eventually passed away.
In a recent telephone conversation, the Queen Mother informed President Museveni that the late King Oyo left behind a young boy as heir, who will be introduced to the public at the appropriate time.
President Museveni praised the late King for his collaborative approach to governance, noting that he had demonstrated potential to work effectively with both Central and Local Governments to develop the Tooro region.
“H.H. Oyo worked well with the Central Government, thereby avoiding the mistake of trying to use the Cultural Institutions that were restored by the NRM to promote sectarianism,” the President stated, adding that all cultural leaders would benefit from understanding the importance of this unity.
As a mark of national mourning, President Museveni directed that the late King Oyo be accorded an official burial. He further ordered that all flags fly at half-mast for three days — the day of the burial, the day before, and the day after.
“May his soul rest in eternal peace,” the President concluded.
The late King Oyo, who ascended the throne as a toddler in 1995 following the death of his father, King Patrick Olimi Kaboyo II, was one of Uganda’s youngest monarchs. His death marks a significant loss to the Tooro Kingdom and the nation at large.
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