King Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru Rukidi IV, the Omukama of Tooro, has died at the age of 34, leaving the Royal Family, the people of Tooro and Uganda in deep mourning.
The King passed away at approximately 10:00 p.m. on Thursday evening, according to an announcement issued by the Royal Family. His death comes after the Kingdom had earlier confirmed that the monarch was in a critical condition and called upon Ugandans and well-wishers to pray for him.
The announcement described the death as an immeasurable loss to the Royal Family, the people of Tooro and the nation of Uganda.
The Royal Family has called upon the people of Tooro to remain united, calm and prayerful as the Kingdom goes through the difficult period of mourning.
“Omukama Atulize. Enkuba Etutire,” the announcement said, as Tooro mourns the passing of its monarch.
King Oyo became one of the world’s youngest reigning monarchs when he ascended to the throne as a child following the death of his father, King Patrick Matthew Kaboyo Olimi III, in 1995. He was only three years old at the time.
For more than three decades, King Oyo remained a central figure in the cultural life of Tooro, growing from a young prince into an adult monarch who represented the kingdom at national and international events.
His death now begins a new chapter for the Tooro Kingdom. The Royal Family has confirmed that the continuity of the Crown is assured, revealing that King Oyo has left behind a Prince who will be the heir to the throne.
However, the identity of the Prince will not immediately be made public. According to the announcement, his identity will be formally revealed at the appropriate time in accordance with the traditions and customs of Tooro Kingdom.
The Royal Family said an official statement will be issued with further details about the King’s funeral and mourning arrangements.
As news of his death spreads, tributes are expected from across Tooro and Uganda as people remember a monarch who spent most of his life on the throne.
The people of Tooro have now been urged to stand together and maintain peace as the Kingdom prepares to bid farewell to its King.
May His Majesty King Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru Rukidi IV rest in eternal peace.
