Parliament Honors King Oyo as Symbol of Unity and Visionary Leader

A somber atmosphere filled the Ugandan Parliament as legislators gathered to commemorate the life of King Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru Rukidi IV of Tooro. Speaker Jacob Markson Oboth led the proceedings, with Members of Parliament, ministers, and staff signing a condolence book in the Parliament Lobby to express their grief and respect.

During the afternoon session, Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja moved a motion to honor the late King, praising him as “a monarch of all seasons” and a profound symbol of unity and cultural identity for both Tooro and Uganda. She highlighted his visionary leadership, which inspired people of all ages.

The Prime Minister also extended gratitude to President Yoweri Museveni for his mentorship of King Oyo over the past 31 years, since the King ascended to the throne at the young age of three. Government officials emphasized their role in guiding and supporting him throughout his reign.

MP Patrick Nsamba, representing the Leader of the Opposition, seconded the motion, noting King Oyo’s dignified and humble service. He urged the people of Tooro to prioritize consensus and unity in succession matters to ensure the continued strength of the Kingdom.

Ministers Milly Babalanda and Mary Kuteesa Kamuli announced that the government would oversee all burial arrangements, including the repatriation of the King’s remains, promising a dignified send-off in collaboration with the Tooro Kingdom administration.

Minister of Health, Dr. Chris Baryomunsi, revealed that King Oyo had succumbed to cancer and used the occasion to urge all Ugandans to prioritize regular cancer screenings and early treatment, learning from this significant loss.

Emotional scenes unfolded as legislators, particularly those from the Tooro region, wept openly. They appealed to the government to immortalize the late King by expediting the construction and renaming of Buhinga Stadium in Fort Portal City after him, as he had donated the land. Additionally, they called for the establishment of a cancer institute in Fort Portal in his memory. The emotional resonance was amplified by the fact that the King’s burial was scheduled for September 12, the same day he was due to celebrate his 31st coronation anniversary.

Source: Nile Post