Tooro Kingdom Princess Ruth Komuntale, has revealed that the late King Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru Rukidi IV, spent more than one year seeking medical attention in Uganda for persistent pain before he was diagnosed with an aggressive rare and aggressive form of cancer last year.
Princess Komuntale made the revelation while eulogising the late monarch at St John’s Cathedral, Komuntale on Saturday noting that her late younger brother’s cancer journey began in mid-October 2025, when he was diagnosed with angiosarcoma, a rare and aggressive cancer that can spread rapidly.
“Before his diagnosis, he had spent more than a year seeking medical evaluations while he was here in Uganda for the different pains he was experiencing. Sadly, he was not receiving the correct diagnosis”.
Prince Komuntale revealed that the doctors told the late monarch that the pain was likely related to strenuous exercise or ulcers and was advised to undergo physical therapy.
“By the time he received advanced medical evaluations and the correct diagnosis, the cancer had already spread significantly and was affecting multiple organs” she said.
Komuntale noted that the late Oyo cautioned the family from informing anyone, when the news was shared with them, believing that he would get better.
“He did not want to create panic or fear among our family members or within the kingdom, and we respected his wishes, of course, because we too believed he was going to beat this” she said.
Komuntale noted that after her brother began receiving the correct treatment, the cancer cells started shrinking dramatically, which saw him regaining his energy which gave the family hope that he would get better.
She however noted that things sadly took a terrible turn in mid July this year, which saw his condition deteriorate.
“The cancer had been in his body just too long and despite everything that was done, his condition became increasingly difficult, but even with everything my brother was going through, his faith remained intact” she said.
She added, “He never stopped praying and reading the word of God”.
Prince Komuntale further thanked the Queen mother Her Majesty Best Kemigisha for raising the both of them well, following the death of their father.
“When we lost our father, she became both our mother and father, she raised us with love. She made sure we never lacked what we needed, and most importantly, she gave us something that has carried us throughout our lives, our relationship with the almighty God” she said.
She added, “Mama, you nurtured us in love, and that love taught us to extend love to others. So thank you so much”.
Princess Komuntale also appreciated her husband Phillip Barkerson, for the role he played in caring for Oyo throughout his illness and the bond they had made with her late brother.
“My brother loved my husband so much, frankly, it was a relief to me to see that he approved of him without any issues. My brother would tell Philip that even though they were not biological brothers, he considered Philip his true brother” she said.
She noted that her husband had become known as the chef in the home during Oyo’s sickness.
Prince Komuntale further remembered her brother as a God-fearing man, a farmer who loved his animals, a sports enthusiast and someone who enjoyed exercising, going to the movies, spending time with family and friends and studying Scripture.
She also recalled their childhood memories, saying that even after he became King, Oyo retained the personality of the young boy who loved to laugh and play.
Oyo died on August 27, 2026, at the age of 34, after receiving cancer treatment in the United States.
He ascended the Tooro throne in 1995 at the age of three, becoming one of the world’s youngest monarchs.
His final send-off is being held in Fort Portal, with prayers and tributes at St John’s Cathedral before his remains are taken to the Karambi Royal Tombs for burial.
Under Tooro tradition, the King is expected to be buried before 2pm, bringing to an end the public mourning for a monarch whose reign lasted more than three decades.
