How King Oyo of Tooro Died of Aggressive Cancer in US at 34

…Museveni confirms cause of death, US treatment, state burial, young heir

Uganda’s youngest monarch, Omukama Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru Rukidi IV of Tooro, has died at the age of 34 after battling aggressive cancer in the United States, President Yoweri Museveni has confirmed.

In a statement on his official X handle on Friday, Museveni said the King succumbed while receiving treatment abroad after his health deteriorated months ago.

“Some months back, Her Royal Highness Kemigisa, Nyinomukama, came to tell me that the Muzzukulu Oyo had cancer that was very aggressive. The Government supported them to go to Germany and, then, the USA where he died,” the President revealed.

President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni (left) stands alongside the Omukama (King) of Tooro Kingdom, King Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru Rukidi IV (right), during a official state visit at State House Entebbe. FILE PHOTO/ PPU

Museveni described the death as a major loss to Tooro and Uganda, noting that Oyo was orphaned young after the death of his father, Omukama Patrick Olimi Kaboyo III, and had shown promise in working with government to develop the kingdom.

“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,” Museveni wrote.

Young Heir Named, State Burial Ordered

Advertisement

The President said the Queen Mother, Best Kemigisa, informed him that King Oyo left behind a young son who will be introduced to the public at the appropriate time, ensuring the royal lineage continues.

To honour the late monarch, Museveni directed an official state burial and declared three days of national mourning with flags flown at half-mast: the day before, the day of, and the day after the burial.

President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni (left) stands alongside the Omukama (King) of Tooro Kingdom, King Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru Rukidi IV (right), and the Qeen Mother of Tooro , Best Kemigisa during a official state visit at State House Entebbe. FILE PHOTO/ PPU

He also praised Oyo for maintaining a cordial relationship with the central government. “H.H. Oyo worked well with the Central Government, thereby avoiding the mistake of trying to use the Cultural Institutions… to promote sectarianism.”

Crowned in 1995 at age 3, Oyo was the 12th Omukama of Tooro and one of Africa’s youngest reigning kings. His 29-year reign saw him grow from a child king to a cultural leader credited with tourism and youth initiatives in the kingdom.

The cause of death, timeline of treatment in Germany and the US, and the succession plan are now the key questions for the Batooro as the kingdom prepares to announce the next Omukama.