King Oyo dies at 34 after 31 years on Tooro throne

What the report says

The Tooro Kingdom is mourning the death of Omukama Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru Rukidi IV, who Sqoop Uganda reported died on Thursday evening at about 10 p.m. at the age of 34. The announcement was made by Tooro Kingdom Prime Minister Calvin Armstrong Rwomiire Akiiki, who said the loss was deeply felt by the royal family, the people of Tooro and Uganda. The kingdom urged subjects to remain calm, united and prayerful.

According to the report, the death followed weeks of uncertainty about the king’s health. Kingdom officials had earlier dismissed rumors that he was ill, saying he was abroad for studies and other engagements. On Thursday, however, officials and Minister of State for Youth and Children Affairs Balaam Barugahara confirmed that he was critically ill and receiving treatment in the United States.

King Oyo was born in 1992 and became Omukama in 1995 after the death of his father, King Patrick David Matthew Kaboyo Olimi III. He was only three at the time, and the kingdom was run under a regency until he assumed full operational control at age 18 in 2010. Sqoop Uganda noted that his reign became associated with youth empowerment, education, conservation, health advocacy and HIV/AIDS awareness. The report said succession and funeral arrangements are expected to be handled by the royal family and kingdom authorities in line with Tooro traditions.