Tooro’s King Oyo Dies at 34 After Battling Critical Illness in the US

What the report says

The Tooro Kingdom has confirmed the death of its monarch, King Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru Rukidi IV, who died at the age of 34 on Thursday night, August 27, 2026, according to a statement from Kingdom Prime Minister Calvin Armstrong Rwomiire Akiiki. The announcement said the king passed away at about 10:00 p.m., describing the loss as significant for the royal family, the people of Tooro and Uganda more broadly.

Watchdog Uganda reported that the official statement did not give a cause of death. However, the article said sources close to the royal family and some local media indicated King Oyo had been receiving treatment in the United States for advanced brain cancer and had fallen into a coma days before his death. Earlier on Thursday, State Minister for Youth and Children Affairs Balaam Barugahara had said the king was under critical medical care in the U.S. and urged the public to avoid unverified rumors.

King Oyo was born on April 16, 1992, and became king in 1995 after the death of his father, Omukama Patrick David Matthew Kaboyo Olimi III. He later assumed full royal authority in 2010. The kingdom said an heir is in place but has not yet named the successor, and it said funeral arrangements would be announced later. The report said the kingdom asked people to remain calm and united as it prepares for state and cultural rites.