KAMPALA – The President of Uganda, His Excellency Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, has received the body of the fallen His Majesty King Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru Rukidi IV at Entebbe International Airport following his death on Thursday last week in the United States of America.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!King Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru was announced dead by Tooro Prime Minister Calvin Armstrong Rwomiire Akiiki on August 27, 2026, at about 10:00 pm at the age of 34 after battling cancer-related illnesses.
Following the death of the youngest monarch in the history of Tooro Kingdom, arrangements were made to return his remains, with the aircraft carrying King Oyo’s body touching down at Entebbe’s VIP Terminal precisely at noon on Friday.
The arrival marked the beginning of a solemn homecoming ceremony attended by the Tooro Royal Family led by the Queen Mother, Best Kemigisa, alongside Kingdom officials, Central Government ministers, and religious leaders.
President Museveni paid his last respects to the fallen King and reflected on his long-standing relationship with the Tooro Royal Family, as well as the collective efforts made to secure specialized medical treatment for the monarch.
The President expressed deep sorrow over the loss, recalling how they had looked after King Oyo from childhood, took him to school, and watched him grow, but ultimately the Lord had taken him.
Museveni disclosed that the Queen Mother had first alerted him to the King’s deteriorating health during a meeting in November 2025 at the height of campaign activities ahead of the General Elections, revealing that the monarch was suffering from aggressive cancer.
“Sorry for the loss of the grandchild, King Oyo. We looked after him, we took him to school, and he grew up, but now the Lord has taken him. The Queen Mother came and visited me in November 2025 during the campaigns ahead of the elections, and she told me about this problem of aggressive cancer that had started disturbing the King,” President Museveni revealed.
Upon learning of the King’s condition, the President supported treatment efforts in Germany and later in the United States, but the King could not be saved. Museveni praised him as a remarkable leader and a person of exemplary character.
President Museveni further paid his final respects and laid a wreath as the Police Brass Band played solemn hymns, while ministers, royal family members, officials, and religious leaders also honoured the fallen King.
The delegation accompanying the body later boarded a helicopter to Kyegegwa District, where mourners and subjects of the Tooro Kingdom received their monarch at Humura Grounds, and the King’s hearse was en route to Karuziika Palace in Fort Portal City.
Meanwhile, preparations are underway for the official burial scheduled for September 12, a date that would have marked the 31st anniversary of King Oyo’s coronation, adding a poignant layer of significance to the nation’s farewell.
The late King Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru Rukidi IV, who was one of the world’s youngest monarchs when he ascended to the throne, reigned with a steadfast commitment to cultural preservation and the welfare of his people.
About the Author
