The Tooro Kingdom has announced the death of its traditional ruler, Omukama Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru Rukidi IV.
The 34-year-old monarch passed away on Thursday at approximately 10:00 p.m., according to an official statement issued by the Kingdom’s Prime Minister, Omuhikirwa Calvin Armstrong Rwomiire Akiiki.
Rwomiire described the death of the Omukama as a devastating loss to the Royal Family, the people of Tooro and Uganda as a whole.
“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,” he said.
“This is an immeasurable loss to the Royal Family, the people of Tooro and the nation of Uganda. Omukama Atulize. Enkuba Etutire.”
The announcement came just hours after the Kingdom administration appealed to the public to pray for the King, revealing that he was critically ill and receiving medical attention.
At the time, the Kingdom urged the public to remain calm and avoid spreading unverified information as his medical team continued to attend to him.
Following the announcement of his death, the Tooro Kingdom Prime Minister called on the people of Tooro to remain united, calm and prayerful as the Kingdom enters a period of mourning.
He also assured the Kingdom that the traditional leadership structures would remain stable and that the continuity of the Crown was guaranteed.
“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,” Rwomiire said.
Further details regarding the burial, funeral and mourning arrangements are expected to be announced by the Kingdom.
King Oyo was born on April 16, 1992, to Omukama Patrick David Matthew Kaboyo Rwamuhokya Olimi III and Queen Best Kemigisa.
He ascended to the throne at the age of three following the death of his father in August 1995. On September 12, 1995, Oyo became the 13th ruler of the Tooro Kingdom, one of Uganda’s oldest traditional kingdoms.
