President Yoweri Museveni has directed that the late Omukama of Tooro, King Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru Rukidi IV, be accorded an official burial following his death at the age of 34.
READ: King Oyo dies at 34 after 31 years on Tooro throne
In a condolence message, Museveni described the death of the Tooro monarch as a major loss to the kingdom and Uganda, expressing sadness over the passing of the young king.
“His Highness Oyo, the King of Tooro at such a young age of 34. How unfair life can be,” Museveni said.
The President, on behalf of himself, First Lady Janet Museveni and Ugandans, extended condolences to the Royal Family of Tooro and the people of Uganda.
Museveni noted that Oyo had been orphaned at a young age and had died young, describing his death as a loss to Tooro and the country.
Despite his short life, Museveni said, Oyo had demonstrated potential to work with the Central and Local Governments in the development of Tooro.
The President also revealed that some months ago, Queen Mother Best Kemigisa had informed him that the king was battling an aggressive form of cancer.
According to Museveni, the government supported efforts to seek specialised treatment for Oyo in Germany before he was taken to the United States, where he died.
Museveni said he had also been informed by Kemigisa that Oyo had left behind a young son who is expected to be introduced to the public at an appropriate time.
The President praised Oyo for maintaining a good working relationship with the Central Government, saying this helped avoid the use of cultural institutions to promote sectarianism.
He urged other cultural leaders to follow the same approach.
As part of the arrangements to honour the late king, Museveni directed that Oyo be accorded an official burial.
He further ordered that all national flags be flown at half mast for three days, covering the day before the burial, the burial day and the day after.
“May his soul rest in eternal peace,” Museveni said.
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… pic.twitter.com/pxCjg9v9b3
— Yoweri K Museveni (@KagutaMuseveni) August 29, 2026
Don’t want to miss out on any story? For updates on all Sqoop stories, follow this link on Telegram: https://t.me/Sqoop