President Yoweri Museveni has mourned the death of the King of Tooro, His Highness Omukama Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru Rukidi IV, describing his death at the age of 34 as a major loss to Tooro Kingdom and Uganda.
In a condolence message issued on behalf of himself and Maama Janet, Museveni extended his sympathies to the Tooro Royal Family and Ugandans, saying the young monarch had died after a life marked by hardship and responsibility.
“How unfair life can be!! He was orphaned while still young and he has died young,” Museveni said.
The President said King Oyo had demonstrated significant potential to work with both the Central and Local Governments in efforts to develop Tooro.
“What a loss to Tooro and Uganda,” Museveni said.
Museveni also disclosed that Tooro Queen Mother Her Royal Highness Best Kemigisa had informed him months earlier that King Oyo was suffering from an aggressive form of cancer.
According to the President, the Government supported the King’s medical treatment abroad, including in Germany and later the United States, where he died.
Museveni further revealed that King Oyo left behind a young son who is expected to become the heir to the Tooro throne. He said Queen Kemigisa had informed him that the child would be introduced to the public at an appropriate time.
The President also praised King Oyo for what he described as his cooperation with the Central Government, saying the monarch avoided using cultural institutions to promote sectarianism.
Museveni urged other cultural leaders to similarly recognise the importance of working with government while preserving the role of cultural institutions.
Official burial ordered
Museveni has directed that King Oyo be accorded an official burial in recognition of his status and contribution to Tooro and Uganda.
He also ordered that all national and other relevant flags be flown at half-mast for three days—the day before the burial, the burial day and the day after.
“May his soul rest in eternal peace,” Museveni concluded.
King Oyo became Omukama of Tooro in 1995 following the death of his father, Omukama Patrick Matthew Kaboyo Olimi III, and was crowned at the age of three, making him one of the world’s youngest reigning monarchs at the time.
