Queen Mother Best Kemigisa has revealed how she pleaded with God to spare her son, the late Omukama Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru Rukidi IV, during his battle with illness.
In an emotional tribute during the church service at St John’s Cathedral, the Queen Mother recalled how she prayed for God to spare Oyo when he fell ill.
“Leave my son alone, God. Take me first. If I’m a bad person, take me,” she recalled praying.
Kemigisa said Oyo died at a time when she had only begun to enjoy having him as an adult.
“My son has gone at the time when I was beginning to enjoy him,” she said.
Beyond being her son, Kemigisa described Oyo as her friend, shield and prayer partner. She said he remained caring and attentive to her despite carrying the responsibilities of the Tooro throne from the age of three.
“Omukama was very caring. He was my friend and my shield. He cared about me a lot, the same way he cared and listened to all his people in Tooro Kingdom,” she said.
Kemigisa recalled that Oyo was particularly attentive whenever he noticed that she was quiet or withdrawn, often asking whether she was alright.
She also remembered his simple gestures of care, including opening the car door for her whenever they travelled together.
The late King celebrated his mother’s birthdays, but, according to Kemigisa, he did not like elaborate celebrations for his own birthday.
Away from his public duties, Oyo was also deeply committed to prayer. Kemigisa said he would often lead prayers at night before the family went to bed.
Kemigisa said Oyo grew into a humble, respectful, caring and peace-loving leader who developed strong leadership skills during his reign.
She described him as a good listener who understood people and remained humble despite his position.
“He was a peacemaker, caring, and had developed very good leadership skills, steering Tooro to where we are today,” she said.
The Queen Mother said Oyo’s death came at a time when his leadership was increasingly being felt within Tooro and beyond.
She acknowledged that his reign faced challenges, including disagreements involving members of the royal family, but said he largely maintained peace and stability in the kingdom.
Kemigisa also praised Oyo’s relationship with the central government, saying he worked closely with President Yoweri Museveni on issues concerning the development and stability of Tooro.
As the kingdom prepared to lay the late King to rest at the Karambi Royal Tombs, Kemigisa appealed for peace and stability to continue in Tooro.
She urged the people of the kingdom to protect the progress made during Oyo’s reign and ensure that his legacy is preserved.