By Aggrey Baba
The death of Omukama of Tooro Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru has brought Uganda’s kingdoms closer together, with Buganda and Busoga leading a wave of royal solidarity as traditional institutions rallied around the people of Tooro during their darkest hour.
The show of unity was witnessed on Wednesday, 2nd September, 2026 at the fallen king’s Buziga residence in Kampala, where the Katikkiro of Buganda, Charles Peter Mayiga, led a delegation from Buganda Kingdom to deliver a message of condolence from the Kabaka and stand with the Tooro royal family following the death of the young monarch on August 26th.
Mayiga, who arrived at the palace at about 3pm, was received by Tooro Prime Minister Calvin Armstrong Rwomiire, with the two kingdoms using the occasion to reaffirm the historic ties that have connected their royal families for generations.
In his message, Mayiga urged the people of Tooro to remain united during the difficult period, while highlighting the deep relationship between Buganda and Tooro which, he said, stretches back more than 200 years.
The Katikkiro pointed to the long-standing tradition of princes and princesses from the two royal families growing up in either palace as one of the factors that have strengthened the relationship between the two kingdoms.
The message underscored a broader spirit of togetherness emerging among Uganda’s traditional institutions following King Oyo’s death, with the various kingdoms putting aside their own affairs to stand with Tooro.
Rwomiire welcomed the Buganda delegation, saying the historical relationship between the two kingdoms would continue to grow stronger. He said the tragedy had demonstrated the importance of maintaining the bonds between Uganda’s traditional institutions and their people.
“Whatever happens, we will continue working together in different capacities, but we will ensure that our bonds grow stronger for both our people and for the kingdom and our history,” Rwomiire said.
The spirit of solidarity was also demonstrated by Busoga Kingdom, which sent its Deputy Katikkiro, Osman Ahmed Noor, to deliver condolences from His Majesty Baba Isebantu William Gabula Nadiope, the Kyabazinga of Busoga Kingdom and the entire Basoga community.
But Busoga went a step further, announcing that it would not proceed with its planned coronation anniversary celebrations scheduled for September 13 while Tooro remains in mourning.
Oweek. Noor said Busoga could not celebrate at a time when a fellow kingdom was grieving the loss of its King.
“As Busoga, we are with you in these trying moments,” he said, urging the people of Tooro to remain calm and assuring them of the continued support of the Basoga.
The solidarity extended beyond Buganda and Busoga.
Omulangira Kassim Nakibinge (Buganda Prince), who also paid tribute, described King Oyo as a transformative monarch of his generation who had championed sports, environmental conservation and economic activities for the people of Tooro, particularly the youth.
Nakibinge urged the people of Tooro to preserve the late King’s legacy by continuing his efforts in environmental conservation, tree planting and wealth creation.
As Tooro prepares to receive King Oyo’s remains on Friday, the mourning has therefore become more than a farewell to one monarch.
It has become a moment in which Uganda’s kingdoms are closing ranks, reaffirming old bonds and reminding their people that despite their distinct histories and institutions, they remain connected by a shared cultural and royal heritage. (For comments on this story, get back to us on 0705579994 [WhatsApp line], 0779411734 & 041 4674611 or email us at mulengeranews@gmail.com).
