World's youngest monarch dies in Uganda, aged 34

What the report says

A traditional ruler in western Uganda, King Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru Rukidi IV of Tooro, has died at the age of 34, according to an announcement from the kingdom’s prime minister reported by BBC Africa. Oyo was widely known as the world’s youngest reigning monarch after becoming king in 1995, when he was only three years old following the death of his father. He was later formally crowned at 18 in 2010.

BBC Africa reported that the Tooro Kingdom did not give a cause of death. A Ugandan government minister was quoted in local media saying the king had been critically ill and was receiving treatment in the United States. Uganda is a republic with an elected president, but its traditional kingdoms still carry cultural influence. Tooro, in the west of the country, is one of several hereditary monarchies that remain part of Uganda’s public life.

Tooro’s prime minister described the death as a major loss for the royal family and the people of the kingdom, and asked residents to remain calm and united. He also said the succession line is secure and that the identity of the heir will be revealed later, in line with royal custom.

BBC Africa said Oyo was the 13th monarch of a kingdom founded in the early 19th century and ruled over more than two million people. In local reporting cited by the BBC, he was also associated with youth empowerment, education, climate conservation and HIV/Aids awareness. Uganda’s Buganda Kingdom said it also mourned the loss.