President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has announced the passing of His Highness King Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru Rukidi IV, the Omukama of Tooro Kingdom, who died at the age of 34 following a battle with aggressive cancer.
National Mourning and Royal Succession
In an official condolence message shared on X, President Museveni expressed deep sorrow on behalf of First Lady Janet Museveni and the people of Uganda, lamenting the untimely death of the young monarch.
The President revealed that the Queen Mother, Her Royal Highness Best Kemigisa (Nyinomukama), informed him that King Oyo has left behind a young son as heir to the throne. The young prince is expected to be introduced to the public at an appropriate time in accordance with royal customs.
“Fortunately, in a telephone call, Her Royal Highness Kemigisa told me that H.H. Oyo left a young boy heir that will be introduced to the public at the right time.” — President Yoweri Museveni
Medical Battle Abroad and Official Send-Off
According to the President’s statement:
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Medical Care: Following a diagnosis of aggressive cancer, the Government of Uganda facilitated King Oyo’s specialized treatment in Germany and subsequently in the United States, where he ultimately passed away.
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State Honors: President Museveni directed that the late monarch receive an official state burial.
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National Mourning: Ugandan national flags will fly at half-mast for three consecutive days—the day preceding the burial, the burial day, and the day immediately following.
President Museveni commended King Oyo for maintaining close, productive ties with both the Central and Local Governments to spearhead development across Tooro, praising his leadership for promoting unity rather than sectarian division through cultural institutions.
Official Letter from President Museveni
Caption: Official condolence statement issued by President Yoweri K. Museveni on X announcing the passing of His Highness King Oyo of Tooro Kingdom, confirming a young male heir, and declaring three days of national mourning with flags at half-mast.
Fellow Ugandans, especially the Bazzukulu,
It is with a lot of sadness that, on the behalf of all Ugandans, Maama Janet and myself, I extend our most heart-felt condolences to the Royal Family of Tooro and to all Ugandans on account of the death of the prominent Muzzukulu, His Highness Oyo, the King of Tooro at such a young age of 34. How unfair life can be!! He was orphaned while still young and he has died young.
In the short life on earth, he had shown that he had potential of working well with the Central and Local Governments to develop Tooro. What a loss to Tooro and Uganda.
Some months back, Her Royal Highness Kemigisa, Nyinomukama, came to tell me that the Muzzukulu Oyo had cancer that was very aggressive. The Government supported them to go to Germany and, then, the USA where he died.
Fortunately, in a telephone call, Her Royal Highness Kemigisa, told me that H.H. Oyo left a young boy heir that will be introduced to the public at the right time.
H.H. Oyo worked well with the Central Government, thereby avoiding the mistake of trying to use the Cultural Institutions that were restored by the NRM to promote sectarianism. It would be good if all the Cultural leaders understood the importance of this.
I direct that H.H. Oyo be given an official burial and, for three days, all the flags fly at half-mast. The three days are: the day of the burial, the day before and the day after. May his soul rest in eternal peace.
Signed:
Yoweri K. Museveni
President of the Republic of Uganda
