Uganda’s National Unity Platform (NUP) has joined the people of Tooro Kingdom in mourning the death of King Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru Rukidi IV, describing his passing as a painful loss.
In a statement shared following the monarch’s death, the opposition party said it had lowered the flags at its party headquarters to half-mast as a mark of respect for the late king.
“The flags at our Party Headquarters are flying at half-mast as we mourn, together with the people of Tooro Kingdom, the painful loss of His Majesty Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru Rukidi IV,” NUP stated.
The party extended its condolences to the royal family, the people of Tooro and others affected by the death of the monarch, who had occupied the throne for more than three decades.
King Oyo died on Thursday, August 27, 2026, at the age of 34 while receiving medical treatment in the United States. The circumstances surrounding his illness and the specific medical facility where he died have not been officially disclosed.
Born on April 16, 1992, Oyo became King of Tooro in 1995 following the death of his father, King Patrick Matthew Kaboyo Olimi III. He was only three years old when he ascended to the throne, making him one of the youngest monarchs in the world at the time.
Because of his young age, the affairs of the kingdom were initially managed with the assistance of regents and royal advisers, including his mother, Queen Best Kemigisa.
As he grew older, Oyo assumed a more active role in promoting the interests of Tooro and Uganda. His public engagements included initiatives focusing on young people, tourism, environmental conservation and cultural heritage.
His death has prompted an outpouring of condolences across Uganda, with political leaders, cultural institutions and members of the public remembering his long reign and his contribution to the visibility of Tooro Kingdom.
NUP concluded its message with a tribute to the late monarch, praying for his soul to rest in peace and expressing hope that his memory would remain a blessing.
The death marks the end of Oyo’s 31-year reign, which began when he inherited the historic Tooro throne as a child. Details concerning his funeral arrangements and the succession process are expected to be communicated by the kingdom.