Written By | BK Mugizi
Museveni has directed that the late King be accorded an official burial and that national flags fly at half-mast for three days — the day before the burial, the burial day, and the day after.
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STATE HOUSE
President Yoweri Museveni has mourned the death of Tooro King Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru Rukidi IV, describing his death at the age of 34 as a great loss to Tooro and Uganda.
Museveni also directed that the late King be accorded an official burial and that national flags fly at half-mast for three days — the day before the burial, the burial day, and the day after.
In a condolence message, Museveni said he, together with Maama Janet, extended heartfelt condolences to the Royal Family of Tooro and all Ugandans following the death of the prominent cultural leader.
"How unfair life can be! He was orphaned while still young and he has died young," Museveni said.
Oyo Died in US After Illness
King Oyo died at about 10pm on Thursday, August 27, 2026, while receiving medical treatment in the United States, according to the Tooro Kingdom. He was 34.
The Kingdom had earlier confirmed that the King was critically ill and asked the public to pray for him.
Museveni said that months before Oyo's death, Queen Mother Best Kemigisa had informed him that the King had cancer that was "very aggressive."
He said the Government supported the Royal Family to take Oyo to Germany and later to the United States for treatment, where he died.
The exact medical circumstances surrounding his death had not been publicly detailed by the Tooro Kingdom.
King Leaves Young Heir
The death of King Oyo has raised questions about the succession of the Tooro throne, but the Kingdom has assured the Batooro that the continuity of the Crown is secure.
Tooro Kingdom Prime Minister Calvin Armstrong Rwomiire Akiiki said the late King left behind a Prince who will be formally introduced to the public at the appropriate time, in accordance with the traditions and customs of the Kingdom.
Museveni also confirmed the existence of the young heir.
"Fortunately, in a telephone call, Her Royal Highness Kemigisa told me that H.H. Oyo left a young boy heir who will be introduced to the public at the right time," he said.
Oyo Mourned After 31-Year Reign
Born on April 16, 1992, Oyo ascended the Tooro throne on September 12, 1995, following the death of his father, King Patrick Matthew Kaboyo Olimi III.
He was only three years old when he became King, making him the world's youngest reigning monarch at the time. A regency helped manage the Kingdom's affairs during his childhood, with Oyo assuming greater responsibility after attaining adulthood.
He went on to reign for nearly 31 years, becoming one of Uganda's most prominent cultural leaders.
During his reign, Oyo was associated with initiatives focusing on youth empowerment, education, environmental conservation, and health advocacy. He also championed the Tooro Kingdom Vision 2045 development framework.
Tooro Enters Nine-Day Mourning
Following his death, the Tooro Kingdom declared nine days of mourning as preparations for the King's burial and succession continue.
The announcement was made at the royal palace in Fort Portal by Prince Charles Kamurasi, the head of the Babiito clan and uncle to the late King.
The exact burial date had not yet been announced, with the mourning period also being used to organise the King's final send-off.
Royal Drum Turned Upside Down
Traditional rituals have already begun in Tooro. One of the key rituals involved turning the royal drum — the Engoma — upside down to signify the end of the reign of the deceased King.
Members of the Babiito clan also gathered at the main entrance of the palace, where a ceremonial alarm was sounded to formally announce the King's death.
Richard Rwabuhinga, chairman of the funeral organising committee, said the rituals marked the beginning of the traditional nine-day mourning period.
Tooro Anthem Suspended
During the mourning period, the Tooro Kingdom anthem will not be sung at official functions. The anthem is expected to resume after the enthronement of a new King.
Tooro Kingdom flags have also been ordered to fly at half-mast during the mourning period.
In addition, representations of the lion — a major symbol of royal authority — have been covered at the Fort Portal city centre roundabout, the palace entrance, and other locations.
Kingdom officials said the covered lion symbolises the absence of the King's authority and will remain covered until the succession process is completed.
Prayer Services Planned
The Kingdom has also organised daily ecumenical evening prayer services during the mourning period, with the services expected to begin at the royal palace.
The funeral organising committee is expected to meet daily to coordinate preparations for the King's send-off and work alongside a national organising committee.
Kingdom officials have called upon the Batooro and other Ugandans to remain peaceful, united, and respectful of the cultural practices during the mourning period.
Museveni Praises Oyo
Museveni praised Oyo for working closely with the Central and Local Governments, saying the late King had demonstrated the potential to contribute to the development of Tooro.
"In the short life on earth, he had shown that he had the potential to work well with the Central and Local Governments to develop Tooro. What a loss to Tooro and Uganda," Museveni said.
The President also commended Oyo for avoiding the use of cultural institutions to promote sectarianism.
"H.H. Oyo worked well with the Central Government, thereby avoiding the mistake of trying to use the cultural institutions that were restored by the NRM to promote sectarianism," he said.
Museveni urged other cultural leaders to understand the importance of working with the Government to promote development and unity.
National Leaders Mourn
The death of King Oyo has triggered an outpouring of grief across Uganda, with political leaders, cultural institutions, and members of the public paying tribute to the late monarch.
Leaders have described him as a symbol of Tooro's cultural heritage and a monarch who successfully combined traditional leadership with modern interests.
His death has also attracted international attention because of his unique history as the child king who ascended the throne at the age of three and went on to reign for more than three decades.
Official Burial Ordered
Museveni directed that King Oyo be accorded an official burial as the country prepares to bid farewell to one of its longest-serving cultural leaders.
He further directed that national flags fly at half-mast for three days.
"The three days are: the day of the burial, the day before, and the day after," Museveni said.
