Kampala, Uganda | URN | The passing of Tooro King Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru Rukidi IV has drawn messages of condolence from leading cultural institutions, with the Kyabazinga of Busoga, William Wilberforce Gabula Nadiope IV, the King of Alur, Philip Olarker Rauni III, and the Omusinga of Rwenzururu, Charles Wesley Mumbere, paying tribute to the late monarch.
King Oyo was announced dead on Thursday evening, triggering an outpouring of grief from the royal family, his subjects and cultural institutions across the country. In separate condolence messages, the cultural leaders described King Oyo as a visionary, humble and dedicated monarch whose contribution to the preservation of culture and heritage would continue to inspire future generations.
The Kyabazinga of Busoga, William Wilberforce Gabula Nadiope IV, said Uganda had lost an important cultural leader whose influence would endure beyond his lifetime. “In Omukama Oyo, Uganda has lost an important voice and a distinguished cultural leader whose influence will be felt for generations,” Gabula said. He praised King Oyo for his humility and dedicated leadership, saying his service to Tooro and the preservation of its cultural heritage had left a lasting legacy.
The King of Alur, Philip Olarker Rauni III, also conveyed his condolences through his Prime Minister, Lawrence Opar Angala, describing the death as a loss to the traditional leadership fraternity. Rauni noted the strong historical and cultural bonds between the Alur and Tooro institutions, saying King Oyo had enjoyed a special relationship with the Alur royal institution.
He paid tribute to Oyo’s contribution to cultural preservation and his efforts to promote the relevance of traditional leadership. The Omusinga of Rwenzururu, Charles Wesley Mumbere, also joined the mourners, extending his condolences to the Tooro royal family, the people of Tooro and all those affected by the King’s death.In a condolence message delivered through the Rwenzururu Kingdom Prime Minister, Baritazale Kule Benson, Mumbere said the Obusinga Bwa Rwenzururu stood with the Tooro royal family during the difficult moment. He described King Oyo as a leader whose dedication to his people, culture and heritage would be remembered for generations.
Mumbere said Oyo’s death was a profound loss to traditional leadership across the Rwenzori region, Uganda and the wider community of customary institutions. He said the late King remained committed to preserving cultural values and advancing the dignity and relevance of traditional authority. The messages from the three cultural institutions also highlighted the complex historical relationship between Tooro and the Rwenzururu cultural institution.
The Bakonzo and Bamba/Babwisi historically paid allegiance to the Tooro Kingdom until March 1962, when their representatives, led by Isaya Mukirania, the father of King Mumbere, walked out of the Rukurato, citing what they described as oppression by the Batooro. Mukirania was joined by other prominent figures, including Yeremia Kawamara, the father of Bwamba King Martin Kamya, and the late Peter Mupalya.
They subsequently declared independence on June 30, 1962, and launched the armed Rwenzururu Movement against Tooro, which later became the basis of the current Obusinga Bwa Rwenzururu. Despite the historical differences, Mumbere’s message placed emphasis on the shared loss and the importance of cultural institutions standing together in mourning.
King Oyo’s death also brings to an end a reign that began when he was only three years old. He ascended the Tooro throne on September 12, 1995, following the death of his father, King Patrick Matthew Kaboyo Olimi VII, who died in August 1995 at the age of 49. Because he was a minor, Oyo was placed under the guardianship of several prominent figures, including President Yoweri Museveni, his mother, Queen Mother Best Kemigisa, his aunt Princess Elizabeth Bagaya, and the then Kabaka of Buganda, Ronald Mwenda Mutebi II.
The Tooro Kingdom Supreme Council, the Orukurato, also appointed Prof. Oswald Ndolelire, Zaverio Byabagambi and Isaaya Kalya as regents to advise and guide the young monarch. In 2010, King Oyo attained the age of 18 and assumed full control of the kingdom. The Kyabazinga, the Alur King, and the Omusinga of Rwenzururu have all reaffirmed their solidarity with the Tooro royal family and people as the kingdom begins the process of mourning and preparing for the burial of its monarch.
