New Vision Podcast
Tribute: The life and legacy of Tooro's king, Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru Rukidi IV
First Lady Janet Museveni has joined other leaders and institutions in mourning Tooro’s King Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru Rukidi IV, who died Thursday aged 34. Mrs. Museveni conveyed her condolences to the Queen Mother, the Royal Family and the people of Tooro, describing the death as a difficult time for the Kingdom and praying for strength and comfort for the bereaved. King Oyo's death was announced on Thursday, August 27, 2026, by Tooro Kingdom Prime Minister Calvin Armstrong Rwomiire Akiiki. His death has triggered an outpouring of grief across Uganda, with leaders and prominent figures describing the late monarch as a young, visionary and peace-loving King who grew from a child monarch into a respected national figure. His reign characterized growth of various sectors in kingdom including: culture, education, sports ,health ,conservation, farming and youth affairs. “I mourn the loss of His Majesty Omukama Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru Rukidi IV. I convey my heartfelt condolences to the Queen Mother, the Royal Family and the people of Tooro. This is indeed a very difficult time for the Kingdom, and I pray that God grants the family and the people of Tooro strength and comfort. May God receive His Majesty’s soul and grant him eternal peace,” The First Lady Janet Museveni posted on her official handles Tooro Kingdom covers : Bunyangabu, Kabarole, Kamwenge, Kitagwenda, Kyegegwa, Kyenjojo, Ntoroko and Fort Portal City where the kingdom's royal palace is located. More Tributes: From the Buganda Kingdom, Katikkiro Charles Peter Mayiga said the news had been received with shock and extreme sadness. Mayiga said he immediately informed Kabaka Ronald Muwenda Mutebi II, who was also saddened by the death of the 34-year-old monarch. “The Kingdom of Buganda stands with the people of Tooro, and all Ugandans, during this sad moment. We are deeply saddened, Your Majesty,” Mayiga said. As a sign of mourning, the kingdom's flags at Mengo Palace were on Friday lowered at half mast as Buganda joins the people of Tooro in mourning the passing of the fallen Tooro King. Kyabazinga of Busoga, His Majesty William Wilberforce Kadhumbula Nadiope IV, said King Oyo leaves behind a cherished chapter in the history, culture and aspirations of the Tooro people. He described his legacy and devotion to the kingdom as one that would endure for generations. Archbishop Stephen Kazimba Mugalu, on behalf of the Church of Uganda, sent condolences to the Royal Family, Tooro Kingdom and Ruwenzori Diocese. Kazimba invoked the words of St Paul in 2 Timothy 4:7: “I have fought the good fight. I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.” Minister Milly Babalanda the minister for Presidency described King Oyo as a young, visionary and peace-loving King who ascended the throne at a tender age and steered Tooro Kingdom with dignity and wisdom beyond his years. She said the late monarch demonstrated a deep commitment to culture, education, youth empowerment, health, and environmental conservation. The US Embassy in Uganda expressed condolences to the Royal Family, the people of Tooro and Ugandans. “We extend our deepest condolences to the Royal Family, the people of Tooro Kingdom, and all Ugandans on the passing of His Majesty Omukama Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru Rukidi IV. Omukama Atulize,” US mission in Uganda posted Relatedly, the British High Commission in Uganda also expressed sadness over Oyo's passing. “We are saddened by the passing of His Majesty Omukama Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru Rukidi IV. We extend our sincere condolences to the Royal Family & the people of Tooro,, UK government values its longstanding relationship with the Tooro Kingdom & we join in mourning His Majesty’s passing, reads the post on the Commission's site X. Crispin Kaheru of Uganda Human Rights Commission stated that King Oyo represented a generation that had watched him grow while carrying the enormous responsibility of the throne. Kaheru describing the Tooro king as: a calm, dignified and deeply respected monarch. Kaheru in a message to the media, said the loss was not only painful for Tooro but also for Uganda and the wider world.
