Tooro Prime Minister defends concealing King Oyo’s health information

What the report says

Tooro Kingdom Prime Minister Calvin Armstrong Rwomire has defended his earlier handling of information about the late King Oyo’s condition, saying he did not publicly disclose that the monarch was abroad for treatment because he was following the King’s wishes. In a statement posted on his official X account, Rwomire said the King wanted his health matters kept private to avoid unnecessary alarm among subjects. The comments came as questions continued over what senior kingdom officials knew about the King’s illness and why the public message had initially described his trip abroad as related to studies.

According to the report by The Independent Uganda, Rwomire had already told people at a Youth Conference launch on August 3 that King Oyo was overseas for further studies and asked them to dismiss rumors about his health. That explanation was later challenged after the kingdom formally announced the King’s death. Omusuga Charles Kamurasi, the head of the Babiito royal clan, publicly accused the prime minister of withholding information and misleading the public. Rwomire rejected the claim, saying some details had not been shared with him either.

Rwomire urged leaders and subjects to avoid turning the matter into a public feud during the mourning period. He said the priority should be a dignified farewell and unity within the kingdom. The report says King Oyo died after a prolonged illness while receiving treatment abroad, and Tooro Kingdom is preparing to receive his remains ahead of burial on September 12, which also marks his 31st coronation anniversary.