The Tooro Kingdom is facing a major moment of uncertainty following a statement attributed to Tooro Kingdom Prime Minister Calvin Armstrong Rwomiire Akiiki announcing the reported death of His Majesty Omukama Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru Rukidi IV.
In a post shared Thursday evening, Rwomiire announced that the King had passed away at approximately 10:00 p.m., describing the development as an “immeasurable loss” to the Royal Family, the people of Tooro and Uganda.
“It is with profound sadness and a heavy heart that I announce the passing of His Majesty the Omukama of Tooro, King Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru Rukidi IV, at approximately 10:00 p.m. this evening,” the statement reads.
Rwomiire called upon the people of Tooro to remain united, calm and prayerful during what he described as a difficult period.
He also indicated that the continuity of the Tooro Crown would be maintained, saying the late King had left behind a Prince who would serve as heir.
According to the statement, the identity of the heir will be formally revealed at an appropriate time in accordance with the traditions and customs of the Tooro Kingdom.
“The continuity of the Crown is assured. His Majesty leaves behind a Prince as his heir, whose identity will be formally revealed at the appropriate time, in accordance with the traditions and customs of Tooro Kingdom,” the statement said.
The announcement came after a day of conflicting reports concerning the health of the 34-year-old monarch, who had reportedly been receiving medical attention in the United States.
Earlier on Thursday, Tooro Kingdom issued an official communication saying King Oyo was in a critical condition and appealed to the people of Tooro, Ugandans and well-wishers around the world to pray for him.
Government Minister Balaam Barugahara had also earlier said that King Oyo was alive but unwell and remained under medical management in the United States.
A separate report by ChimpReports later cited a source close to the Royal Family as saying that King Oyo had died in the United States, while noting that the circumstances surrounding the reported death had not been independently verified at the time.
The latest statement attributed to Rwomiire calls for calm as the Kingdom prepares to provide further information.
It said an official communication would follow with details concerning funeral arrangements and the period of mourning.
King Oyo ascended the Tooro throne in 1995 at the age of three, following the death of his father, Omukama Patrick David Matthew Kaboyo Rwamuhokya Olimi III. He was formally crowned in 2010.
His reported death, if formally confirmed by the Kingdom, would mark the end of a more than three-decade reign during which he became one of Uganda’s most prominent cultural leaders.
For now, attention remains focused on the Tooro Royal Family and Kingdom authorities as they are expected to provide further official details on the reported passing, mourning arrangements and the succession process.
The Kingdom has urged the people of Tooro to remain united and peaceful during the period of uncertainty and grief.
