Queen Mother Begged God to Take Her Instead of King Oyo

Queen Mother Best Kemigisa shared her profound grief and desperation during the illness of her son, King Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru Rukidi IV. At the late King’s funeral service, Kemigisa recounted her fervent prayers, pleading with God to take her life instead of her son’s. “I begged God but He decided to take King Oyo first,” she emotionally stated, recounting her struggle to comprehend God’s will.

Despite her personal anguish, the Queen Mother accepted the outcome as divine will. She used her address to call for peace and unity within the Tooro Kingdom, which has been experiencing discussions regarding succession following the King’s death. Kemigisa cautioned against allowing social media to exacerbate divisions, urging for love and constructive dialogue to preserve the late King’s legacy.

Her appeal for unity comes after a series of personal losses, including her husband, King Patrick Matthew Kaboyo Olimi III, and daughter, Princess Celia Komukyeya. With King Oyo’s passing, Princess Ruth Komuntale is now her only surviving child.

Princess Komuntale also delivered a tribute, focusing on her brother’s personal qualities beyond his royal title. She described him as a quiet, reserved, and curious individual who loved his family and never lost his youthful spirit. She found solace in the thought that he was no longer suffering and may have been reunited with their father and sister.

Archbishop Stephen Kaziimba Mugalu, who led the funeral service, also emphasized the importance of unity during this period of mourning. He warned against words spoken in grief that could cause further pain and advised that disagreements should be resolved through dialogue to uphold King Oyo’s commitment to peace.

King Oyo passed away on August 27 from angiosarcoma, a rapidly spreading cancer. His death has been a significant loss for the Tooro Kingdom and Uganda.