The body of Uganda’s King Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru Rukidi IV has been returned to the country ahead of his burial on September 12, following his death in the United States at the age of 34.
The Tooro monarch, who was recognised by Guinness World Records as the world’s youngest reigning king, died last week while receiving treatment for an aggressive form of cancer.
His body arrived at Entebbe Airport, where President Yoweri Museveni joined mourners to pay their respects. It was later flown by military helicopter to Kyegegwa in western Uganda before being transported by road to the royal palace in Fort Portal.
The return of the body marks the beginning of the Tooro Kingdom’s official nine-day mourning period. It will lie in state at Karuziika Palace, where members of the public are expected to pay their respects and attend evening prayers.
King Oyo became Tooro’s 13th monarch after ascending the throne in 1995 at the age of three. He was formally crowned in 2010 after turning 18. The kingdom, established in the early 19th century, has more than two million people and retains significant cultural influence despite having no political authority.
Uganda’s Parliament held a special tribute on Thursday, with lawmakers describing the late king as a modernising monarch who promoted education, healthcare and opportunities for young people. Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja called him a “symbol of unity,” while acting opposition leader Patrick Nsamba Oshabe said, “Heritage and development were never rivals in his hands.”
Museveni has ordered an official burial, with national flags to fly at half-mast for three days around the funeral. A church service will precede a traditional procession to the Karambi Royal Tombs, where the king is expected to be buried by 2pm on September 12, in keeping with the tradition that Tooro kings are not buried in the evening.
Meanwhile, questions over the succession have emerged because King Oyo was not officially married. Tooro Kingdom Prime Minister Calvin Armstrong Rwomiire Akiiki said the late monarch had a young son whose identity would be disclosed in accordance with customary procedures. Museveni also said King Oyo’s mother, Queen Best Kemigisa, had told him that her son left an heir.
The claim has, however, prompted disagreement within the Babiito royal clan, from which Tooro kings are chosen. Clan head Charles Kamurasi said he was unaware of the reported child, while other members questioned why the matter had not previously been brought to their attention. Akiiki has urged that the issue be resolved privately through consultations with elders.
Culture Minister Henry Tumukunde has also appealed for restraint, urging the public to avoid speculation on social media and rely on official information from the government and Tooro Kingdom. “The whole world is watching how Uganda mourns its king,” he said.
