President Museveni Receives King Oyo’s Body, Hails His Leadership

What the report says

President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni on Friday received the body of Tooro Kingdom’s King Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru Rukidi IV at Entebbe International Airport, according to Watchdog Uganda. The reception took place at the VIP terminal and brought together members of the Tooro Royal Family, led by Queen Mother Best Kemigisa, as well as kingdom officials, government ministers and religious leaders.

Museveni used the occasion to praise the late monarch as a good person and a capable leader, while expressing sorrow over his death. The report says the President also pointed to his long association with the Tooro Royal Family and said he had earlier been informed about the King’s illness. He said efforts were made to help secure specialist medical care, first in Germany and later in the United States, but those efforts did not succeed.

The handover ceremony included both military and cultural elements. Police reportedly wrapped the casket in the national and Tooro colours, and a guard of honour was mounted before the President laid a wreath. After the airport reception, a helicopter carried the body and selected family members to Kyegegwa District. Watchdog Uganda said burial preparations were continuing, with the official farewell scheduled for September 12, which would also mark the 31st anniversary of King Oyo’s coronation. This marks the start of the monarch’s final journey home as the kingdom and the country prepare to mourn him.