King Oyo succumbed to aggressive cancer in the US, leaves behind a prince - Museveni

President Yoweri Museveni has announced the death of Omukama Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru Rukidi IV, the King of Tooro Kingdom. The President disclosed that the 34-year-old monarch passed away in the United States after a battle with aggressive cancer. “It is with a lot of sadness that… I extend our most heart-felt condolences to the Royal Family of Tooro and to all Ugandans on account of the death of the prominent Muzzukulu, His Highness Oyo, the King of Tooro at such a young age of 34,” President Museveni stated on his X handle.

President Museveni revealed that King Oyo’s mother, the Queen Mother Best Kemigisa, had approached him months prior about her son’s severe health condition. The Ugandan government had provided financial assistance for his medical treatment, initially in Germany and subsequently in the United States, where he ultimately passed away.

The President lamented the tragic circumstances of King Oyo’s life, noting that he was orphaned at a young age and has now died prematurely. “How unfair life can be!! He was orphaned while still young and he has died young. In the short life on earth, he had shown that he had potential of working well with the Central and Local Governments to develop Tooro. What a loss to Tooro and Uganda,” he reflected.

Continuing his announcement, President Museveni shared that the Tooro royal lineage is secure, as King Oyo leaves behind a young son. “Fortunately, in a telephone call, Her Royal Highness Kemigisa, told me that H.H. Oyo left a young boy heir that will be introduced to the public at the right time,” he wrote.

President Museveni also commended the late King for his cooperative relationship with the central government, highlighting it as a model for cultural leaders. In honor of the fallen monarch, the President has directed that King Oyo be given an official state burial. A national period of mourning will be observed, with flags flying at half-mast for three days: the day of the burial, the day before, and the day after.

This information was reported by the Daily Monitor.