Tooro King Oyo dies at 34

What the report says

The Observer reports that the King of Tooro, Omukama Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru Rukidi IV, has died at the age of 34, according to an announcement from the kingdom. Tooro Kingdom premier Calvin Armstrong Rwomire Akiiki said in a late-night statement on Thursday that the monarch died at about 10 p.m., after earlier social media claims about his death had been dismissed by the kingdom as he was said to be critically ill.

Akiiki said the kingdom would continue operating and that the late king had left behind an heir, though the child’s identity would be disclosed later in line with Tooro customs. The statement did not provide a cause of death. The Observer also said it understood that the king had been hospitalised in the United Kingdom for some time before he died, but that detail was not officially confirmed by the kingdom.

Oyo had ruled for 31 years after being enthroned on September 12, 1995, following the death of his father, Omukama Patrick Olimi Kaboyo II. He became one of Africa’s youngest reigning monarchs when he ascended the throne as a three-year-old. During his reign, the article says, he was associated with efforts to support education, youth empowerment, tourism, environmental conservation and economic development in Tooro.