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The body of the late Tooro King, Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru Rukidi IV, has arrived in Uganda from the United States, marking the beginning of preparations for his burial on September 12.

A chartered aircraft, 5Y-FAM, carrying the King’s body landed at Entebbe International Airport at about noon on Friday, September 4, 2026.

President Yoweri Museveni led government officials, members of the Tooro royal family, religious leaders and other dignitaries in receiving the remains.

A guard of honour was mounted at the airport in honour of the late King, whose casket was draped with both the Ugandan and Tooro Kingdom flags.

President Museveni laid a wreath on the casket before paying his final respects to the late monarch.

Speaking briefly after the ceremony, Museveni said he was informed in November 2025 that King Oyo had been diagnosed with an aggressive form of cancer.

He said the King was initially taken to Germany for treatment before later being transferred to the United States, where he died on August 27, 2026, aged 34.

Museveni said the death had saddened the country and urged the people of Tooro to remain calm and united during the mourning period.

Following the airport ceremony, the President held a closed-door meeting with members of the royal family, including Queen Mother Best Kemigisa, Princess Ruth Komuntale and Princess Elizabeth Bagaya, among others.

The King’s body will later be airlifted from Entebbe to Kyegegwa, where members of the public gathered to pay their respects.

The casket will subsequently be transported to Karuziika Palace in Fort Portal, where it will lie in state as Tooro begins nine days of mourning and funeral rites ahead of the King’s burial on September 12.

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President Yoweri Museveni has revealed that he learnt about the late Tooro King Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru Rukidi IV’s battle with cancer in November 2025, months before the monarch’s death.

Museveni made the revelation on Friday while addressing mourners at Entebbe International Airport, where the body of the late King Oyo arrived from abroad.

The President said he learnt about the King’s illness while he was engaged in his campaign activities last year.

According to Museveni, the information about Oyo’s cancer diagnosis was known to him as early as November 2025, although the public was not informed about the monarch’s condition.

The revelation provides fresh insight into the circumstances surrounding King Oyo’s final months, during which the Tooro Kingdom largely maintained that the monarch was abroad for studies and was doing well.

King Oyo died on August 27, 2026, aged 34, after receiving medical treatment in the United States.

His death was announced by Tooro Kingdom Prime Minister Calvin Armstrong Rwomiire Akiiki, who said the King had been in critical condition before his death.

Rwomiire defended decision to keep illness private

The revelation comes days after Rwomiire explained why information about the King’s health had not been publicly disclosed.

The Prime Minister said information that Oyo was abroad for studies and was doing well had been communicated according to the late monarch’s wishes.

“As someone serving him, it was my responsibility to respect his wishes and protect his privacy. I did so faithfully and respectfully,” Rwomiire said.

He said the King had believed he was recovering and was looking forward to returning to Uganda and reuniting with his subjects for the 31st Empango celebrations.

Rwomiire also urged the public to avoid debating questions surrounding the King’s final days during the mourning period, saying there would be an appropriate time and forum to address them after the burial.

King Oyo’s final journey home

The President’s revelation came as Uganda received the remains of the monarch who had spent almost 31 years on the Tooro throne.

King Oyo became Omukama in 1995 at the age of three, following the death of his father, King Patrick David Matthew Kaboyo Olimi III.

His accession made him the world’s youngest reigning monarch, a distinction that remained a defining part of his extraordinary life.

After spending his childhood under regency, Oyo eventually assumed greater personal responsibility for the Kingdom and became one of Uganda’s most recognisable cultural leaders.

His body is now being taken to Tooro, where traditional funeral rites will be conducted before his burial at the royal tombs.

The revelation by Museveni is likely to renew public interest in the late King’s health, particularly the decision to keep his cancer diagnosis private until his death.

Tears and grief engulfed Entebbe International Airport on Friday as the body of the late Tooro King, Omukama Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru Rukidi IV, returned to Uganda, bringing home a monarch whose extraordinary life began on the throne at just three years old.

The casket carrying the remains of King Oyo arrived at Entebbe International Airport as members of the royal family, government officials, Tooro Kingdom leaders and mourners gathered to receive the fallen monarch.

King Oyo died on August 27, 2026, aged 34, after receiving medical treatment in the United States. His death brought to an end a remarkable 31-year reign that began when he was still a toddler.

His remains will now be taken to Tooro, where the Kingdom will conduct traditional funeral rites before his burial at the royal tombs.

For many Ugandans, Friday’s arrival was an emotional moment — the return of a King who had spent almost his entire life under the weight and responsibility of the Tooro crown.

The Boy King Who Captured the World

Born on April 16, 1992, Oyo was the son of the late Omukama Patrick David Matthew Kaboyo Olimi III and Queen Mother Best Kemigisa.

His childhood changed forever in 1995, when his father died.

At only three years old, Oyo ascended the throne on September 12, 1995, becoming the youngest reigning monarch in the world.

His coronation attracted international attention, with images of the little King becoming one of Uganda’s most recognisable stories.

Yet behind the royal title was a child who still had to grow up, attend school and discover life while carrying an extraordinary responsibility.

As a young King, Oyo’s affairs were overseen by regents as he gradually grew into his role and began taking greater personal responsibility for the Kingdom.

A King Who Went to School

Despite his royal status, King Oyo pursued a formal education.

According to the official Tooro Kingdom biography, he was homeschooled at kindergarten level before attending Aga Khan Primary School, where he studied from 1999 to 2004.

He later pursued his secondary education at Kabira International School, where he obtained his Advanced Level Certificate of Education between 2005 and 2009.

His education later took him to the United Kingdom.

From 2010 to 2013, Oyo studied for a Bachelor of Business Management at the University of Winchester.

He graduated in 2013 at the age of 21, completing a significant chapter in his journey from child monarch to an educated young leader.

His graduation was an important moment for the Kingdom, as Oyo increasingly began combining the demands of traditional leadership with modern education and global exposure.

From Child Monarch to Modern King

As he matured, Oyo’s public role evolved.

The three-year-old who had once become an international curiosity grew into a young monarch associated with youth empowerment, education, environmental conservation, health and cultural preservation.

His position was largely cultural rather than political, reflecting Uganda’s constitutional framework for traditional institutions.

Oyo nevertheless used his platform to champion causes affecting young people and the development of Tooro.

His reign also included efforts to position the Kingdom for the future, including the Tooro Kingdom Vision 2045, an initiative aimed at supporting the Kingdom’s long-term social and economic development.

A King Between Tradition and Modernity

King Oyo’s life represented a unique meeting point between Uganda’s ancient cultural traditions and the modern world.

He inherited a throne rooted in centuries of Tooro history but grew up in an era of social media, global travel, modern education and rapidly changing technology.

He travelled internationally, interacted with leaders and public figures and maintained interests outside the traditional responsibilities of the throne.

He was also known as a passionate football supporter and an Arsenal fan.

Yet despite the international attention surrounding him, Oyo remained closely associated with the identity and aspirations of the people of Tooro.

A Reign That Began at Three and Ended at 34

King Oyo spent almost 31 years as Omukama.

His reign began before he was old enough to understand the enormity of the institution he had inherited.

Over time, however, he grew into the role.

The child King became a young adult, and the young adult became a cultural leader whose name was known far beyond the borders of Tooro.

His story was so unusual that his status as the world’s youngest reigning monarch became part of his enduring international legacy.

His Final Days

King Oyo had been receiving medical treatment in the United States before his death.

The Kingdom had maintained that information about his health was communicated according to the late King’s wishes, with Prime Minister Calvin Armstrong Rwomiire Akiiki later saying he had a responsibility to respect the monarch’s privacy.

Rwomiire said the King had been described publicly as being abroad for studies because that was in accordance with his “express wishes and direction.”

The Prime Minister has since urged Batooro and the wider public to avoid speculation and allow the royal family to mourn.

The King Comes Home

Now, the King has come home.

His return to Uganda marks the beginning of the final chapter of a remarkable life that started with a three-year-old boy inheriting one of Uganda’s historic kingdoms and ended with a 34-year-old monarch remembered across the country and beyond.

For the people of Tooro, however, King Oyo was more than the world’s youngest monarch.

He was their King.

He was the child they watched grow up.

He was the young man who carried their identity onto the global stage.

And now, as his body is returned to Karuziika Palace and preparations begin for his burial, Tooro must confront the loss of a monarch who had been part of its story for almost the entirety of a generation.

The throne he occupied for three decades now stands vacant.

But the story of Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru Rukidi IV — the boy King who became a man, a monarch and a symbol of Tooro — will remain deeply woven into the history of the Kingdom he led.

For Evelyn Mic, real name Evelyn Masika, the microphone was never simply a tool for addressing crowds. It became the doorway to a career she discovered almost by accident while still in high school.

An entertainment teacher once handed her an emceeing assignment, and what began as a school task gradually developed into a passion.

Inspired by female media personalities and emcees such as Miss Deedan, Flavia Tumusiime, Malaika and Crystal, Evelyn began to imagine herself building a career behind the microphone.

Her journey, however, has not been without challenges. From growing up with her grandmother after losing her parents at a young age to navigating an industry where women are often underestimated, Evelyn says she has had to work consistently to earn her place.

Today, she describes herself as a media personality and storyteller driven by ambition and a natural ability to connect with people.

In this interview, she reflects on her beginnings, the struggles behind her career, being underestimated as a woman and why her movement from one platform to another is deliberate rather than uncertain.

Who is Evelyn Mic?

I am a passionate and authentic media personality and storyteller, driven by ambition and a natural ability to connect with people.

Where did your love for emceeing begin, and when did you realise this could become a career?

When I was in high school, I loved entertainment. One time, my entertainment teacher gave me a task to MC, and from that day, I developed a love for it.

After watching powerful female MCs like Miss Deedan, Flavia Tumusiime, Malaika and Crystal, I realised that this could actually become a career.

What was your life like before people started recognising you as Evelyn Mic?

It was about hustling, staying with my grandmother and trying to discover who I was and what I wanted to become.

What experiences in your personal life have shaped the person you are today?

My grandmother taught me the importance of patience and hard work, regardless of my gender. Those are values that have stayed with me and shaped the person I am today.

What has been the hardest part of building your career that people do not see?

The hardest part has been constantly having to prove myself and remind people that I deserve a seat at the table.

The industry moves very quickly, so staying relevant while remaining true to who I am has required a lot of resilience, consistency and hard work.

Was there ever a point when you seriously considered giving up emceeing? What kept you going?

So many times. But whenever I look back at where I have come from, the effort I have put in and the sacrifices I have made, I tell myself that I have to continue until the end of the road.

What is something people often misunderstand about you?

People sometimes think I am unruly, rude and all sorts of things that involve the word “Gumitte.” But there is much more to me than what people may see from the outside.

Who is your biggest inspiration in entertainment?

Miss Deedan.

Have you ever felt underestimated because you are a woman, and how did you respond to it?

Yes. That is something that is unfortunately common for women.

Whenever I feel underestimated, I go back to the drawing board. I improve my work, get better at what I do and let God do the rest.

What is the biggest mistake or disappointment you have experienced in your career, and what did it teach you?

One of my biggest disappointments has been being in situations where I knew I had more to offer, but the opportunity or environment did not allow me to fully express myself.

It taught me not to measure my worth by one opportunity or one person’s decision. I have learned to keep evolving, keep showing up and, most importantly, create my own opportunities.

Have there been moments when you looked at another emcee or presenter’s success and thought, ‘Why not me?’

Of course. I am human, so I have had those moments.

But I have learned to turn “Why not me?” into “What can I learn from them, and how do I get there?”

Someone else’s success does not take away from mine. I believe my journey has its own timing.

What is the one thing you are still fighting to prove, not just to the industry, but to yourself?

I am still proving to myself that I can become one of the most respected and versatile media personalities of my generation.

I do not want to just be known as someone who MCs, presents or hosts. I want to be known for my voice, my presence, my intelligence and the impact I make.

You are always on the move, jumping from one station to another. What are you looking for, and when will you ever settle?

I am not moving because I do not know what I want. I am moving because I am very intentional about growth.

Every platform has taught me something and shaped a different part of Evelyn Mic. I will settle when I find a space where I can grow, create, have a voice and build something meaningful—not simply because I am afraid of change.

Tell us about your family and educational background.

I grew up in Kamwokya. I went to Sharp Infant School, Sir Miriam Duggan Primary School and Kazo West Primary School. For O-Level, I attended St Maria Goretti Katende and later Mary Reparatrix Girls Secondary School.

I went on to Makerere University, where I earned a Bachelor’s degree in social work and social administration.

I grew up with my grandmother from the age of three after my parents passed away. She played a very important role in my life and helped shape the person I am today.

What is the biggest stage you have ever been on?

I have been on several big stages, but for me, the biggest stage is always the one where I know thousands of people are watching and I have the responsibility of keeping the energy alive.

Every major event has challenged me differently, and those experiences have helped me become more confident, spontaneous and comfortable commanding a crowd.

Years from now, when people tell the story of Evelyn Mic, what do you hope they say she stood for?

I hope they say Evelyn Mic stood for courage, authenticity and growth.

That she walked into rooms where she was not always expected to belong and made her own space.

I want people to remember me as a woman who used her voice, opened doors for others and never allowed fear to make her play small.

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In an industry where breaking through can be difficult, staying relevant for decades can be an even bigger achievement. For singer Kid Fox, veterans Ragga Dee and Steve Jean deserve special recognition for their lasting contribution to Uganda’s music industry.

The “Kapere” singer says the two industry heavyweights may no longer command the spotlight the way they once did, but their influence and continued involvement in music remain undeniable.

“By the way, they might not be on top, but let me give them their flowers. Ragga Dee and Steve Jean were there in the beginning and have been relevant to this day,” Kid Fox said during an earlier interview.

For Kid Fox, relevance should not be measured solely by chart positions, headline concerts or the amount of attention an artiste receives. Rather, it is about remaining active and contributing to an industry that has changed considerably over the years.

He points to Ragga Dee and Steve Jean as examples of veterans who have managed to adapt to the changing music landscape while retaining their place within the industry.

“They might have grown, but they are still contributing to the industry, with Steve in production and Ragga Dee in music,” he added.

Ragga Dee, whose career stretches back several decades, is regarded as one of the pioneers of Uganda’s modern popular music scene. Over the years, he has released numerous songs and remained involved in the industry even as new generations of artistes have emerged.

Steve Jean, meanwhile, has built a reputation as a producer and music industry figure, working behind the scenes to shape Uganda’s sound and nurture artistes.

Their careers illustrate a different kind of longevity—one that is not necessarily defined by remaining permanently at the centre of the spotlight, but by finding ways to remain useful as the industry evolves.

For Kid Fox, that ability to adapt is worth celebrating, particularly in a music business where artistes, producers and musical trends can rise to prominence one moment and disappear from public attention the next.

He believes Ragga Dee and Steve Jean have earned their flowers not simply because of what they achieved at the height of their careers, but because they have continued to find ways to contribute long after their generation stopped dominating the charts.

Their continued presence, in his view, is a reminder that an enduring music career is not always about being the biggest name in the room—it can also be about remaining part of the industry and continuing to make a difference.

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Linus Tattoo Studio was buzzing with excitement and pumping with music as some of Kampala’s top DJs and artists were unveiled for the second edition of Dread Lazer Turn Up, set for tomorrow, September 4, at Kati Kati Grounds.

The performer line-up was revealed at Linus Tattoo Studio in Bukoto recently during a lit pre-game party hosted by Smirnoff, bringing together members of the media, partygoers and some of the confirmed acts for a taste of what is expected to be one of the city’s biggest turn-ups.

DJs Bugy, City Girl, Etania, Kash Pro and Linus Sydney have been confirmed to take over the decks with explosive mixes, while the queen of the mic, Viana Indie, will keep the crowd charged throughout the night.

Adding even more energy to the rave will be Saint Trevor, Josh Mc and Benjhi, who are expected to keep the party moving from start to finish.

If the pre-game party was anything to go by, revellers have plenty to look forward to.

During his sample set, Dread Lazer moved effortlessly from one party banger to another, with each transition seemingly designed to raise the temperature in the room. The performance left partygoers with a taste of the kind of musical marathon expected at Kati Kati Grounds.

Dread Lazer promised an even bigger and more memorable experience on September 4 and urged anyone who has not yet secured a ticket to do so before the party gets underway.

At the heart of the pre-game party was a vibrant Smirnoff takeover, which transformed the otherwise black-themed creative studio with splashes of bold red and a distinctly celebratory atmosphere.

Raymond Karama, Smirnoff Brand Manager, said the brand was ready to bring its party spirit to the event.

“Smirnoff is the ultimate party vodka and we are bringing the entire flavour experience to the turn-up, not forgetting the new Smirnoff Spicy Tamarind, whose sweet and spicy flavour will perfectly match your vibe,” said Karama.

With the DJs, live acts and hosts now revealed, anticipation for the Dread Lazer Turn Up is already building.

Come September 4, Kampala’s party crowd will have one question to answer: Will you be at Kati Kati, or will you be watching the turn-up from your phone?

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