President Yoweri Museveni has mourned the death of Tooro King Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru Rukidi IV, describing his passing as a major loss to the people of Tooro and Uganda.
Museveni made the remarks after receiving the body of the 34-year-old monarch at Entebbe International Airport, where the remains arrived from the United States on Friday.
In a statement following the solemn reception, Museveni recalled that Queen Mother Best Kemigisa had informed him about the King’s illness in November 2025.
The President said the government subsequently supported efforts to secure specialised medical treatment for the monarch, who was first treated in Germany before being transferred to the United States.
“Unfortunately, he died,” Museveni said, expressing his condolences to the people of Tooro and the wider Ugandan population.
The President praised King Oyo’s leadership during his reign, describing him as both a good person and a good leader.
“Throughout his reign as King of Tooro, Oyo was a good person and a good leader. His passing is a great loss to the people of Tooro and Uganda,” Museveni stated.
King Oyo became the Omusinga (King) of Tooro in 1995 at the age of three, following the death of his father, Patrick Matthew Kaboyo Olimi III. His coronation made him one of the youngest monarchs in the world.
His reign spanned more than three decades, during which he grew from a child monarch into an influential cultural leader who represented the Tooro Kingdom at national and international events.
Museveni also appealed to the people of Tooro to maintain calm as preparations for the King’s burial and the transition within the kingdom continue.
“I encourage the people of Tooro to remain calm and avoid disorganisation, even in this difficult time,” he said.
The President's remarks come amid heightened public attention on the royal family following Oyo’s death and the expected succession process within the Tooro Kingdom.
The monarch’s remains were transported from Entebbe to western Uganda following the state reception, with large crowds gathering along the route to pay their final respects.
King Oyo is expected to be laid to rest in Tooro later this month, as the kingdom continues its mourning period.