The Kingdom of Tooro has been thrown into mourning following a reported announcement of the death of Omukama Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru Rukidi IV, who was 34.
In a post shared Thursday night, Calvin Armstrong Rwomiire Akiiki, identified as the Tooro Kingdom Prime Minister, announced that the monarch had died at approximately 10:00 p.m.
“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,” Rwomiire said in the statement seen by this publication.
He described the death as an “immeasurable loss” to the Royal Family, the people of Tooro and Uganda.
The announcement called on the people of Tooro to remain united, calm and prayerful as the kingdom prepares for the next steps.
In a significant disclosure, Rwomiire said King Oyo had left behind a Prince who is expected to succeed him, although the identity of the heir would only be formally revealed at an appropriate time in accordance with Tooro traditions and customs.
“The continuity of the Crown is assured,” the statement 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 announcement said a detailed official statement would follow, including information on funeral and mourning arrangements.
The reported death comes after hours of uncertainty over the monarch’s condition. Earlier on Thursday, Tooro Kingdom had officially confirmed that King Oyo was in critical condition, asking the public to pray for him and refrain from spreading unverified reports about his health.
Minister of Local Government Balaam Barugahara Ateenyi had also said the King was alive but unwell and receiving medical treatment in the United States.
However, later reports, including the statement attributed to the Tooro Kingdom Prime Minister, announced his death. ChimpReports subsequently reported that the Prime Minister had confirmed that the King died at about 10 p.m. Thursday.
King Oyo was born on April 16, 1992, and ascended the Tooro throne in 1995 at the age of three, following the death of his father, Omukama Patrick David Matthew Kaboyo Olimi III.
His accession made him one of the world’s youngest reigning monarchs.
Over nearly three decades on the throne, Oyo grew from a child king into the cultural leader of Tooro, becoming associated with initiatives involving education, healthcare, tourism, environmental conservation and youth empowerment.
His reign also coincided with efforts to strengthen Tooro Kingdom’s cultural institutions following the restoration of Uganda’s traditional kingdoms in the 1990s.
The announcement of his reported death is expected to trigger a period of mourning across Tooro and Uganda, with attention now turning to the kingdom’s traditional succession procedures and the identity of the Prince named as heir.
Omukama Atulize. Enkuba Etutire.
May His Majesty King Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru Rukidi IV rest in eternal peace.
