FORT PORTAL — Kabaka Ronald Muwenda Mutebi II has urged the people of Tooro to remain united, calm and committed to the peace and stability of the kingdom as they mourn the death of Omukama Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru Rukidi IV.
The Kabaka’s message was delivered by Buganda Katikkiro Charles Peter Mayiga on Saturday as King Oyo was laid to rest at the Karambi Royal Tombs in Fort Portal.
Mayiga said the Kabaka had reflected on Oyo’s life and reign, particularly the responsibility the young monarch carried after ascending the throne at the age of three.
“With courage and grace, he carried the weight of kingship through circumstances that were often challenging and formidable,” the Kabaka said in his message, according to Mayiga.
The Kabaka also praised Oyo for maintaining his responsibilities despite the demands of becoming king at a very young age.
“Despite the difficulties that surrounded him, and the demands placed upon him at a young age, he bore his responsibilities with regal poise and dignity,” the message said.
Oyo died on August 27, 2026, aged 34, after receiving cancer treatment in the United States. He had ruled Tooro for nearly 31 years after succeeding his father, Omukama Patrick Matthew David Kaboyo Olimi III, in 1995.
The Kabaka said Oyo grew into an internationally respected monarch whose humility and commitment left a lasting mark on Tooro and Uganda.
“He grew into an internationally respected monarch whose presence commanded respect, whose humility won admiration, and whose dedication to Toro left an enduring mark on his Kingdom and our nation,” the message said.
The message also highlighted Oyo’s contribution to the preservation of culture and the role of traditional institutions in Ugandan society.
“Omukama Oyo’s reign inspired generations of young Ugandans to appreciate the enduring value of culture, heritage and service,” the Kabaka said.
According to the message, Oyo demonstrated that traditional institutions could continue contributing to identity, unity and the preservation of Uganda’s cultural heritage.
“His passing therefore represents not only a profound loss to Tooro, but also to the entire fraternity of Uganda’s traditional institutions,” the Kabaka said.
Mayiga, who attended the funeral service at St John’s Cathedral alongside Nnaabagereka Sylvia Nagginda Luswata and other cultural leaders, said Buganda Kingdom stood with Tooro during the period of mourning.
The Kabaka’s message comes at a sensitive period for Tooro, with the kingdom facing a dispute over Oyo’s succession following his death.
The Babiito Royal Succession Committee selected Prince Edward Rukidi Kiijanangoma as successor, while members of Oyo’s immediate family have disputed the decision and maintained that the late king left a biological son whom they say should inherit the throne.
Against that background, the Kabaka called on the people of Tooro to put the interests of the kingdom first.
“As we mourn, I urge the sons and daughters of Tooro to remain united in purpose, calm in spirit and steadfast in faith,” the message said. “Let this moment of sorrow not divide, but rather strengthen, the bonds that unite the Kingdom.”
The Kabaka further urged the people of Tooro to honour Oyo’s memory through “fortitude, dignity” and continued commitment to the kingdom’s peace, stability and prosperity.
Mayiga had earlier said the relationship between Buganda and Tooro royal families dates back nearly 200 years and that Kabaka Mutebi was among the guardians who supported Oyo when he was still a minor.
In his message, the Kabaka extended solidarity to Queen Mother Best Kemigisa, the royal family and the people of Tooro. “Together with the entire Royal Family, they now bear a burden of grief that is shared by all who knew and loved Omukama Oyo,” he said.
He concluded by praying for Oyo’s eternal rest and for strength and comfort for his family and the Kingdom of Tooro.