Tooro King Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru Rukidi IV has died at the age of 34, leaving behind a Prince who is set to become heir to the Tooro throne.
Tooro Kingdom Prime Minister Calvin Armstrong Rwomiire Akiiki announced the monarch’s death on Thursday night, saying King Oyo passed away at approximately 10:00 p.m. He described the death as an immeasurable loss to the Royal Family, the people of Tooro and Uganda.
In announcing the death, the Prime Minister revealed that King Oyo had left behind a Prince as his heir but said the child’s identity would be formally revealed at an appropriate time in accordance with the traditions and customs of Tooro Kingdom.
The revelation places the young Prince at the centre of the kingdom’s succession arrangements as Tooro begins preparations to mourn its monarch and plan the transition of the crown.
King Oyo ascended the Tooro throne in 1995 at the age of three following the death of his father King Patrick Matthew Kaboyo Olimi III. He went on to reign for more than three decades, becoming one of Uganda’s most prominent traditional leaders.
The Kingdom has called on the people of Tooro to remain calm, united and prayerful as further details regarding the funeral and succession are communicated.