Uganda’s Tooro Kingdom is mourning King Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru Rukidi IV, who died at 34 after nearly 31 years on the throne, having become king as a three-year-old following the death of his father.
Tooro Kingdom Prime Minister Calvin Armstrong Rwomiire Akiiki announced Oyo’s death late on Thursday, saying the monarch died at about 10 p.m. local time.
“It is with profound sadness and a heavy heart that I announce the passing of His Majesty the Omukama of Tooro, King Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru Rukidi IV,” Rwomiire said in a statement posted on X.
The kingdom did not disclose the cause of death or say where Oyo died. Media reports said he had been receiving treatment for cancer in the United States, but the kingdom had not confirmed that.
Earlier on Thursday, Tooro officials said Oyo was in critical condition and appealed to the public to pray for him, while urging people to avoid speculation and the spread of unverified information about his health.
His death came as a shock to many Ugandans who were unaware that he had been receiving medical treatment abroad.
“This is very difficult to comprehend,” Uganda’s Deputy Parliament Speaker Thomas Tayebwa said in a tribute.
Born on April 16, 1992, Oyo became Omukama of Tooro in September 1995 after the death of his father, King Patrick David Matthew Kaboyo Olimi III.
His accession at the age of three made him the world’s youngest reigning monarch, a distinction recognised by Guinness World Records. His childhood attracted international attention as he grew up under the guidance of his mother, Queen Best Kemigisa, members of the royal family and regents who helped manage the kingdom’s affairs.
Oyo assumed full royal duties when he turned 18 in 2010.
As an adult, he maintained a relatively private life despite his international profile. He was unmarried when he died and was known for keeping much of his personal life away from the public eye.
The Tooro Kingdom said the monarchy would continue, with Rwomiire confirming that Oyo had left behind a prince who would succeed him.
“The continuity of the Crown is assured,” Rwomiire said, adding that the identity of the heir would be formally revealed at the appropriate time in accordance with the traditions and customs of the kingdom.
The announcement places succession at the centre of the kingdom’s next chapter, after a reign that began when Oyo was a toddler and continued through most of his life.
Tooro is one of Uganda’s traditional kingdoms and is based in the western part of the country, with its seat in Fort Portal. The monarchy has no constitutional political authority but plays a cultural role, with the king serving as a custodian of the traditions and identity of the Batooro people.
Uganda’s traditional kingdoms were abolished after independence and restored in 1993 under President Yoweri Museveni.
Oyo’s reign made him a familiar figure in Uganda from childhood. His death brings to an end one of the country’s most unusual modern royal stories and leaves the Tooro Kingdom preparing for a transition to a new monarch.
The kingdom said further details about the funeral and mourning arrangements would be announced separately.
