Tooro MPs eulogise King Oyo as symbol of unity, propose King Oyo Cancer Institute in Fort Portal

What the report says

Tooro legislators have publicly eulogised the late King Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru Rukidi IV, saying he stood for unity, cultural continuity and development in the Tooro Kingdom. According to Nile Post, the tribute was delivered by members of the Tooro Parliamentary Forum at Parliament in Kampala, where they highlighted his advocacy for poverty reduction, HIV/AIDS awareness, environmental protection and tourism promotion.

Forum chairperson Dr Lawrence Akugizibwe, the Mwenge North MP, urged people in Tooro to remain calm and united during the mourning period. He said the monarch had supported efforts linked to social transformation, youth empowerment and conservation, including the restoration of forests and crater lakes that are important to tourism in the region.

The MPs also asked government to consider establishing a regional cancer centre in Fort Portal as a memorial to the king. They proposed that the facility be called the King Oyo Cancer Institute. The article says this would be a way to preserve his legacy while serving the wider sub-region.

Nile Post reported that, because of cultural arrangements agreed between the kingdom and parliamentary leadership, the king’s body will not be taken to Parliament for public viewing. Instead, legislators are expected to formally pay tribute during Tuesday’s plenary sitting. The planned motion is expected to reflect on his three decades on the throne and his broader role in national life.