Rwanda’s ambassador to Uganda, Joseph Rutabana, has joined the Tooro Kingdom and its people in mourning King Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru Rukidi IV, who died last week aged 34.
Rutabana visited the Tooro royal palace in Kampala on Tuesday to convey Rwanda’s condolences to the royal family and the people of Tooro following the death of the monarch.
He also signed the book of condolences opened for dignitaries and well-wishers paying tribute to the late king.
King Oyo died on Aug. 27 in the United States, where he had been receiving medical treatment. His death was announced by Tooro Kingdom Prime Minister Calvin Armstrong Rwomiire Akiiki, who described it as a major loss to the royal family, the people of Tooro and Uganda.
The king’s remains are expected to arrive in Uganda on Thursday, Sept. 3, from the United States, where he died.
Oyo became Omukama of Tooro in 1995 at the age of three, following the death of his father, King Patrick David Matthew Kaboyo Olimi III.
He went on to become one of Uganda’s best-known traditional monarchs and was widely recognised as the world’s youngest reigning monarch when he ascended the throne.
Although traditional kingdoms in Uganda have no political authority, the institution remains an important part of the country’s cultural heritage.
King Oyo was involved in initiatives focused on youth, tourism, environmental conservation and community development during his reign.
His death has prompted an outpouring of condolences from political and cultural leaders in Uganda and beyond, as the Tooro Kingdom prepares to receive his remains and hold ceremonies to honour the late monarch.
Rwanda’s condolence visit comes as Uganda prepares for the return of the king’s remains and the next stage of mourning ceremonies for a monarch who spent more than three decades on the Tooro throne.
