Tooro Kingdom Prime Minister Calvin Armstrong Rwomiire Akiiki has explained why the public was told that the late King Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru Rukidi IV was abroad studying and was later told that he was well.
In a statement to the people of Tooro, Rwomiire said the information followed the late King’s express wishes and direction, which he chose to respect while protecting Oyo’s privacy.
The information communicated to the public that His Majesty was abroad studying, and subsequently that he was well, was communicated in accordance with His Majesty’s express wishes and direction.
Rwomiire said he considered it his responsibility, as someone serving the King, to honour those wishes and keep his personal affairs private.
As someone serving him, it was my responsibility to respect his wishes and protect his privacy. I did so faithfully and respectfully.
He also said he believed King Oyo acted in good faith, maintaining that the King remained confident about his recovery and looked forward to returning home.
According to Rwomiire, Oyo had hoped to reunite with his people for the 31st Empango and did not want his condition to cause unnecessary alarm.
He was confident in his recovery and was looking forward to returning home and reuniting with his people for the 31st Empango. He did not want to cause unnecessary alarm among his people.
Rwomiire Calls for Restraint
The Prime Minister’s clarification comes as questions continue to emerge about the circumstances surrounding King Oyo’s time abroad and the communication surrounding his health.
Rwomiire acknowledged that other matters have also raised questions but urged people not to turn the King’s final days into a source of division or controversy.
He said the Kingdom would have an appropriate time and forum to address matters that require further clarification after the King’s burial.
For now, he called on Kingdom leaders, cultural leaders, public officials, journalists, commentators and social media users to exercise restraint as Tooro mourns.
Words spoken in moments of grief can deepen divisions that may take years to repair. Let us choose words and actions that unite the Batooro and reflect the dignity of the Kingdom.
Rwomiire also appealed for privacy for the Royal Family and those who were closest to King Oyo, saying they should have space to mourn without unnecessary speculation or pressure.
He urged the people of Tooro to focus on receiving their King with honour and giving him a dignified farewell.
Future generations will remember not only that Tooro lost its King, but also how we conducted ourselves in this moment of grief.
King Oyo died in the United States on August 27, 2026, at the age of 34.
His body is due to arrive in Uganda at 10:00 am on Friday, September 4, ahead of his burial at the Karambi Royal Tombs on September 12.
STATEMENT TO THE PEOPLE OF TOORO
Fellow Batooro, friends of Tooro and all those who mourn with us,
As we prepare to receive His Majesty the Omukama and ultimately lay our King to rest, I appeal to every Mutooro to conduct ourselves with the dignity, restraint and decorum…
— Calvin Armstrong Rwomiire Akiiki (@toorokingdompm) September 3, 2026