By Mulengera Reporters
Minister of ICT and National Guidance, Hon. Justine Kasule Lumumba, has mourned the death of the King of Tooro, Omukama Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru Rukidi IV, describing him as a “unique and unifying figure” whose death has left Uganda heartbroken.
King Oyo died on Thursday evening at the age of 34, bringing to an end his 31-year reign over the Tooro Kingdom.
In a condolence message to the Royal Family, the Batooro and Ugandans, Lumumba said the country had lost a monarch who successfully combined the preservation of culture with a vision for the future.
“I join the Tooro Kingdom and all Ugandans in mourning His Majesty Omukama Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru Rukidi IV, whose passing has left our nation heartbroken,” Lumumba said.
She conveyed her deepest condolences to the Royal Family and the entire Batooro community during what she described as a painful moment.
King Oyo ascended the Tooro throne on September 12, 1995, at just three years old, following the death of his father, Omukama Patrick Olimi Kaboyo II, on August 26 of the same year.
Reflecting on his extraordinary journey from a child monarch to a mature king, Lumumba said King Oyo “grew into a king who understood his times,” championing both cultural heritage and initiatives aimed at empowering young people.
She particularly commended his support for youth empowerment and modern education, saying his leadership helped position the institution of Obukama as relevant to both Uganda’s history and its future.
“His Majesty ascended the throne at just three years old, becoming the youngest reigning monarch in the world, and went on to lead the Tooro Kingdom for 31 years with grace and purpose,” Lumumba said.
“He grew into a king who understood his times, championing culture alongside youth empowerment and modern education, and in doing so gave the institution of Obukama a place in Uganda’s future as much as its past.”
Lumumba described King Oyo as an important figure whose influence extended beyond the Tooro Kingdom.
“Uganda has lost a unique and unifying figure,” she said.
Her remarks come as the Tooro Kingdom begins preparations for the succession following the death of the 34-year-old monarch.
Tooro Kingdom Premier Calvin Armstrong Rwomire Akiiki announced the king’s death in a statement issued late Thursday night, confirming that the Omukama had died at approximately 10:00pm.
Akiiki said the continuity of the Tooro Crown was assured, revealing that King Oyo had left behind a son who would succeed him.
“The continuity of the Crown is assured,” Akiiki said, adding that the identity of the heir would be formally revealed at an appropriate time in accordance with the traditions and customs of the Tooro Kingdom.
As the Batooro mourn the passing of their king, Lumumba prayed for comfort for the Royal Family, the kingdom and all Ugandans grieving the loss.
“May his memory be a comfort to the Batooro, and all of us. Eternal life and peace be granted to his soul, I pray,” she said. (For comments on this story, get back to us on 0705579994 [WhatsApp line], 0779411734 & 041 4674611 or email us at mulengeranews@gmail.com).
