Uganda: Tooro Prime Minister Defends Concealing King Oyo's Health Information

What the report says

Tooro Kingdom Prime Minister Calvin Armstrong Rwomire is defending his handling of information about King Oyo’s health, after public questions grew over how the monarch’s absence was described before his death. In remarks posted on his official X account, and reported by The Independent via AllAfrica, Rwomire said he had not revealed that the king was abroad for treatment because he believed he was following the king’s wishes.

Rwomire said he had earlier told the public that the king was outside the country for studies, a statement he now links to the monarch’s request for privacy. He argued that the king did not want to trigger unnecessary concern among subjects and that safeguarding those wishes was part of his role as prime minister. The dispute has drawn in other kingdom leaders, including the head of the Babiito royal clan, Omusuga Charles Kamurasi, who publicly accused Rwomire of withholding information and misleading the public.

Rwomire rejected claims that he intentionally concealed details from the clan leadership, saying some matters had not been shared with him either. He also urged people not to turn the issue into a broader public clash during a mourning period. The comments come as Tooro prepares to receive the king’s remains and as the kingdom plans burial arrangements later in September. The case matters because it touches on royal transparency, internal leadership trust and how the kingdom manages sensitive health information about its traditional ruler.