Fort Portal: Ugandan King Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru Rukidi IV, the traditional ruler of Tooro Kingdom in western Uganda, has died at the age of 34, nearly 31 years after he became king at the age of three.
The Tooro Kingdom confirmed that King Oyo died at approximately 10 p.m. on Thursday, August 27. The announcement was made by Tooro Kingdom Prime Minister Calvin Armstrong Rwomiire Akiiki, who described the death as an immeasurable loss to the royal family, the people of Tooro and Uganda.
King Oyo had been critically ill before his death and had been receiving medical treatment in the United States. The cause of his death has not been officially disclosed.
Earlier on Thursday, the Tooro Kingdom confirmed that the king was critically ill and appealed to the public to pray for him. The announcement came after reports about his health began circulating publicly.
King Oyo was born on April 16, 1992. He became Omukama, the traditional title for the king of Tooro, on September 12, 1995, following the death of his father, King Patrick David Matthew Kaboyo Olimi III.
He was only three years old when he inherited the throne. Because he was a child, the affairs of the kingdom were initially managed through regents. He later took on the responsibilities of the monarchy after reaching adulthood at 18.
His accession at such a young age attracted international attention. He was recognised as the world's youngest reigning monarch and became one of Uganda's best known traditional leaders.
Tooro is a traditional kingdom in western Uganda, with Fort Portal as its main centre. Uganda is a republic with an elected government, and traditional kingdoms do not have political governing authority. They continue to play an important role in preserving culture, history and community identity.
During his reign, King Oyo became an important figure in the cultural life of Tooro. He was involved in activities linked to youth, development and community life and was also a supporter of sport, particularly football.
The Federation of Uganda Football Associations announced that a moment of silence would be observed before football competitions, events and activities across the country from August 28 to September 4 in honour of the late king.
FUFA said King Oyo was a supporter of the Uganda Cranes and football activities in Tooro, including the Tooro Kingdom Amasaza Cup and the FUFA Drum.
His death has prompted condolences from political, cultural, religious and sporting leaders across Uganda as people in Tooro begin a period of mourning.
The Tooro Kingdom has confirmed that the royal succession will continue. Prime Minister Rwomiire said King Oyo left behind a prince who is his heir.
The identity of the prince has not yet been formally announced. The kingdom said his identity would be revealed at the appropriate time in accordance with the traditions and customs of Tooro Kingdom.
Details of the succession process have also not yet been made public. The kingdom has said that the continuity of the Crown is assured.
A nine day mourning period has begun in Tooro, with people gathering at the Muchwa Kingdom complex in Fort Portal for mourning activities.
Funeral arrangements, including details concerning the return of the king's remains and burial, had not yet been fully announced by Friday morning.
Access to the royal palace in Fort Portal was also restricted on Friday morning, with some kingdom subjects, officials and journalists prevented from entering the compound. The reason for the restrictions had not been publicly explained.
King Oyo became king as a three year old child and remained on the throne for almost three decades. His reign took him from an internationally known child monarch to an adult traditional leader and an important symbol of Tooro's cultural identity.
As the kingdom mourns, attention is now turning to the funeral arrangements and the succession process.