Updated by Faith Barbara N Ruhinda at 1151 EAT on Saturday 29 August 2026

Tooro Kingdom has formally notified President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni of the death of Omukama Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru Rukidi IV, who died on Thursday while receiving medical treatment in the United States.

In a letter addressed to President Museveni, the kingdom described him as a guardian, father and friend of the late Omukama, highlighting the close relationship they shared for more than three decades.

“The Kingdom of Tooro, with unspeakable sorrow, officially informs H.E. Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, Head of the Nation of Uganda, Guardian of the King, your son, and your friend, that His Majesty the King Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru Rukidi IV has rested,” the message, written in Rutooro, reads.

The message was signed by Tooro Kingdom Prime Minister Calvin Armstrong Rwomiire Akiiki, who acknowledged President Museveni’s longstanding involvement in the life of the late king, from his childhood through his reign.

The kingdom said Museveni’s relationship with the late Omukama extended beyond his role as President, describing him as a father figure and close friend who had followed the King’s life and leadership over the years.

The notification is particularly significant because President Museveni was among the senior figures entrusted with the care and protection of the young monarch after he ascended the Tooro throne at the age of three.

Oyo became Omukama on September 12, 1995, following the death of his father, Omukama Patrick David Matthew Kaboyo Olimi III. Given his young age, a council of guardians, or regents, was appointed to guide the young king and oversee the affairs of the kingdom until he attained maturity.

Museveni was named among the guardians alongside Queen Mother Best Kemigisa, Princess Elizabeth Bagaaya and Kabaka Ronald Muwenda Mutebi II of Buganda.

Although the formal regency ended as Oyo approached adulthood, Museveni maintained a close relationship with the King and the Tooro institution throughout his reign.

The President attended several significant milestones in the young monarch’s life and later held meetings with him on matters concerning the kingdom and the wider Tooro region, including tourism, infrastructure, development and the return of kingdom properties.

King Oyo died on August 27, 2026, at about 10 p.m. while undergoing medical treatment in the United States. He was 34.

In a statement issued following his death, Tooro Kingdom Prime Minister Calvin Armstrong Rwomiire described the loss as “immeasurable” for the royal family, the people of Tooro and Uganda.

The kingdom invoked traditional mourning expressions, “Omukama Atulize. Enkuba Etutire,” and called on the people of Tooro to remain united, calm and prayerful.

It also assured its subjects that the institution of the Omukama would continue despite the death of the reigning king.

Born on April 16, 1992, Oyo became one of the world’s youngest reigning monarchs when he inherited the Tooro throne at the age of three.

-Observer

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