Media personality Bryan Sabiiti McKenzie has mourned the death of Tooro King Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru Rukidi IV, describing the monarch’s passing as an “unfathomable” loss.
King Oyo, the Omukama of Tooro Kingdom in western Uganda, died on Thursday, August 27, 2026, aged 34 while receiving medical treatment in the United States. The Tooro Kingdom has not officially disclosed the cause of his death.
In a heartfelt tribute, McKenzie said it was painful to lose a king but even more difficult to come to terms with the death of Oyo, whom many people had watched grow from a young monarch into a responsible and dedicated leader.
“We saw him grow into a responsible man, simple, dedicated to his work. Not a single drop of negativity from him, no scandals,” McKenzie said.
The media personality said Oyo had maintained a positive image throughout his years as king, adding that people quietly wished him and his kingdom success.
McKenzie also used the death to reflect on the temporary nature of life, saying people should strive to live joyfully, respect one another and leave the world better than they found it.
He recalled having interacted with King Oyo on several occasions, including when the monarch attended some of his events.
One encounter stood out for McKenzie. He said Oyo once asked him to take him through the process of recording music in a studio, giving him an opportunity to spend about an hour explaining the experience.
McKenzie described the moment as a proud one that he would cherish for the rest of his life.
The media personality also highlighted Oyo’s passion for the people of Tooro, particularly the kingdom’s youth. He noted that the late monarch had established a model farm in Fort Portal, where he demonstrated his interest in agriculture and encouraged his subjects to pursue self-sufficiency.
“He wanted to see his people self sustain themselves and he was an example for that,” McKenzie said.
McKenzie concluded his tribute with a light-hearted remark about Oyo’s support for Arsenal Football Club, saying it was the one aspect of the king’s interests he did not share.
He nevertheless noted that Oyo had lived long enough to see his favourite team win the league before his death.
“May His Soul Rest In Peace,” McKenzie concluded.