Following the sudden passing of His Majesty Omukama Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru Rukidi IV, the King of Tooro, at approximately 10:00 p.m. on Thursday, the Kingdom has begun a nine day mourning period to mark his demise.
A number of royals, religious leaders and political leaders among others both within and outside Uganda, have eulogised the late monarch, whose death has been described as an “immeasurable loss” to the Royal Family, the people of Tooro and the nation of Uganda.
Buganda Kingdom Katikkiro Charles Peter Mayiga, noted that King Oyo’s passing was received with shock and extreme sadness, and urged the Kingdom’s subjects to stand together during this grieving period.
“I received the news from Omuhikirwa of Tooro, Calvin Armstrong Rwomiire last evening, and I immediately informed His Majesty Kabaka Ronald Muwenda Mutebi II, who was saddened by the demise of the young monarch (34 years)”he said.
He added, “The Kabaka urges the people of Tooro to stand together during this period of grief. The Kingdom of Buganda stands with the people of Tooro, and all Ugandans, during this sad moment”.
The Kyabazinga of Busoga, William Wilberforce Gabula Nadiope IV described the late King Oyo, as one of the visionary traditional leaders of this time, whose leadership, humility and commitment to preserving culture while inspiring a new generation left a lasting mark on Tooro, Uganda and beyond.
“During this hour of profound grief, our thoughts and prayers are with the Royal Family and the entire people of Tooro Kingdom, who have lost a beloved King and a guiding force. In Omukama Oyo, Uganda has lost an important voice and a distinguished cultural leader whose legacy will endure for generations” King Nadiope IV eulogised.
The Mwami of Bukumu Kingdom in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, Mwami Butsitsi Kahembe IV Isaac, described king Oyo’s death at the age of 34 as premature.
“It is with bitterness that we have just learned of the premature death of my brother and friend, His Majesty Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru Rukidi IV of the Kingdom of Tooro,” Kahembe said.
He further extended condolences to Queen Mother Best Kemigisa, the Babiito Royal Family and the people of Tooro.
“Our most heartbroken condolences to the Queen Mother, to the Royal Family of Babiito and to the Batooro people. Rest in peace, my friend,” he said.
The Archbishop Church of Uganda, Stephen Kaziimba, while eulogising the monarch, noted that the church was with the Kingdom during this time of mourning.
“On behalf of the Church of Uganda and on my own behalf, I extend our deepest condolences to the Royal Family, the people of Tooro Kingdom, Rwenzori Diocese and the entire Body of Christ during this difficult time. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all” he said.
He added, “As we mourn, we take comfort in the words of St Paul: “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.” 2 Timothy 4:7”.
King Oyo died in the United States on Thursday after reportedly battling cancer. His death was announced by Tooro Kingdom Prime Minister Calvin Armstrong Rwomiire Akiiki, who said the monarch passed away at about 10:00 p.m.
Born on April 16, 1992, Oyo ascended the throne on September 12, 1995, aged three, following the death of his father, Omukama Patrick David Matthew Kaboyo Olimi III.
