Tooro Kingdom has announced the death of His Majesty Omukama Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru Rukidi IV, who passed away at approximately 10:00 p.m. on Thursday evening.
The announcement was made by Tooro Kingdom Prime Minister Calvin Armstrong Rwomiire Akiiki, who described the death of the Omukama as an “immeasurable loss” to the Royal Family, the people of Tooro and Uganda.
In a statement, the Prime Minister called on the people of Tooro to remain united, calm and prayerful during the difficult period.
“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, at approximately 10:00 p.m. this evening,” Rwomiire said.
Rukidi IV was the Omukama which means “King,” and Rukirabasaija, which means “the greatest of men.” Although he was considered the sovereign leader of the Batooro, Rukidi IV’s power was limited to cultural duties. His full title and name was Rukirabasaija Omukama Oyo Nyimba Kabamba-Iguru Rukidi
The Prime Minister assured the kingdom that the continuity of the Tooro Crown remains guaranteed, revealing that the late King leaves behind a Prince who will be his heir.
According to Rwomiire, the identity of the heir will be formally revealed at an appropriate time in accordance with the traditions and customs of Tooro Kingdom.
“This is an immeasurable loss to the Royal Family, the people of Tooro and the nation of Uganda,” he said.
The Prime Minister concluded the announcement with a traditional message of mourning:
“Omukama Atulize. Enkuba Etutire.”
He said an official statement will follow with further details concerning the King’s funeral and mourning arrangements.
The death of King Oyo marks the end of the reign of one of Uganda’s most prominent traditional leaders. He ascended the Tooro throne as a child in 1995, following the death of his father, Omukama Patrick Matthew Kaboyo Olimi III.
Further details on the circumstances surrounding his death and the arrangements for his burial are expected to be communicated by the Kingdom.
Biography of King Oyo,
Oyo Nyimba Kabamba was the Omukama of Tooro in Uganda from 1995 to 2026. He was the son of Omukama Patrick David Mathew Kaboyo Rwamubokya Olimi 111 and Omugo Best Kemigisha.In 1995, Oyo ascended the throne, becoming the 13th ruler of the 180-year-old Kingdom of Tooro as the world’s youngest reigning monarch at only three years of age.
The death of his father King Kaboyo in 1995 meant the crown prince had to assume the role of king during his toddler years. At 2 a.m. on 12 September 1995, a week after the late king’s burial, the rituals to hand over the reins of power began. Rukidi IV became the youngest modern monarch at just 3 years old. The rituals included a mock battle at the palace entrance fought between enemy forces of a “rebel” prince and the royal army, and a test of Rukidi IV’s divine right to the throne, in which the Omusuuga (head of the royal clan) called on the gods to strike the prince dead if he was not of royal blood. On passing the test, Rukidi IV was permitted to sound the Nyalebe, a sacred Chwezi drum, as his forefathers had done.
At 4 a.m., Rukidi IV was crowned amidst a jubilant crowd and entered the Karuziika palace ha Kyaro Nyamunyaka as the new ruler of the Kingdom of Tooro. He was served his first meal as king, which consisted of millet dough.
The cultural rituals (Emirwa y’Obuhangwa) were followed by a religious ceremony presided over by Eustance Kamanyire of Fortportal based Ruwenzori. President Museveni attended the coronation celebrations and paid tribute to the new king
As a child, aside from his official duties, Rukidi IV went to school and spent time with friends. However, his status dictated that he attend private school and have a personal security guard at all times. Rukidi IV spent two years in London and attended preschool there. On return to Uganda he attended Aga Khan Primary School in Kampala. He later on went to Kampala Internatinal School for high school and says he enjoyed art, music, math, and swimming. He later enrolled for a Degree in Business Management from Winchester University in the United Kingdom. In October 2013, three years later, Rukidi IV graduated from the University of Winchester with a bachelor’s degree.
At the time of his coronation, the regents included Queen Mother Best Kemigisha ,Princess Elizabeth Bagaaya, Prince James Desmond Mugenyi, and President Museveni.
Muamar Gaddafi was a patron of the Tooro Kingdom with close ties to the royal family. In 2001, the then nine-year-old Rukidi IV named Gaddafi the “defender” of the kingdom and invited him to attend the sixth coronation anniversary celebrations in 2001. Gaddafi had made donations to the kingdom, helping pay for refurbishments to the palace in Fort Portal.
King Oyo studied Business Management at the University of Winchester in the United Kingdom, graduating with a bachelor’s degree in October 2013.
