Cultural institutions and political leaders have mourned the death of Omukama (King) Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru Rukidi IV, describing him as a visionary traditional leader whose legacy will endure in Tooro and Uganda.
Buganda
The Katikkiro of Buganda, Charles Peter Mayiga, said the death of the Tooro monarch was a great loss to the kingdom and the country, and conveyed condolences to the royal family and the people of Tooro.
Speaking to the media on Friday at Bulange, Mr Mayiga said he was informed of the Omukama's death and immediately conveyed the news to the Kabaka of Buganda, Ssaabasajja Kabaka Ronald Muwenda Mutebi II, who was deeply saddened by the death of his younger brother.
He said Buganda and Tooro have maintained close historical ties since the establishment of the Tooro Kingdom in the 1830s, with the two royal families supporting each other over the years.
"Members of the royal families of Tooro and Buganda have been taken care of by the different kings of the two kingdoms and vice versa," he said.
Mr Mayiga recalled that when Omukama Oyo ascended the throne at the age of three, the Kabaka of Buganda was among those appointed to guide him, further demonstrating the longstanding relationship between the two kingdoms.
"We have always worked together and planned together, all in the interest of the people of the two kingdoms," he said.
The Katikkiro said Omukama Oyo's death was a significant loss to the people of Tooro, noting that the King had worked to preserve the kingdom's heritage and improve the welfare of his subjects.
"But it is a great loss to Uganda too. We join the people of Tooro, members of the royal family of Tooro and all Ugandans in expressing our sadness over the sudden passing of Omukama Oyo," he said.
He urged the people of Tooro to remain united, calm and prayerful as they prepare for the burial ceremonies and traditional rituals following the King's death.
Busoga
The Kyabazinga of Busoga, William Wilberforce Kadhumbula Nadiope IV, described the late King as a monarch whose contribution to the history, culture and aspirations of the Tooro people would endure.
"His Majesty Omukama Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru Rukidi IV leaves behind a cherished chapter in the history, culture and aspirations of the Tooro people. His remarkable legacy and devotion to his Kingdom will endure for generations," the Kyabazinga said.
Alur
The Prime Minister of Alur Kingdom, Prince Lawrence Opar Angala has eulogised King Oyo as one who served with distinction.
In his message on August 28, the Prime Minister of Alur Kingdom, Prince Lawrence said: “We mourn the loss of a remarkable sovereign and a pillar of strength of our culture and nation. Omukama Oyo was a visionary leader who served his people and Kingdom with great distinction, wisdom and dedication.”
“He passed away at such a tender age before his full potential had been realised.”
Ankole
The chairperson of Nkore Cultural trust and prime minister of defunct Ankole Kingdom Dr George William Katatumba described the late King Oyo as a dedicated leader who excelled in the modern traditional leadership.
“King Oyo was a remarkable symbol of modern traditional leadership. Having ascended to the throne at the tender age of three, he grew up under the watchful eyes of the world, developing into a visionary monarchy of absolute grace, humility and dignity. Over the three decades, His Majesty served as a passionate custodian of Tooro’s rich cultural heritage while championing vital causes in youth, empowerment, health, environmental conservation and national unity” he said .
He added that the loss of King Oyo is not just a tragedy to Tooro kingdom alone, but also to Ankole and Africa at large.
“The bonds of friendship, historical neighborhood and shared cultural values between the people of Ankole and Tooro have always run deep. The loss of such a vibrant and dedicated leader at the youthful age of 34 is not just a tragedy for Tooro, but a profound loss for the entire cultural fabric of Uganda and Africa,” he noted.
Political tributes
The Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) also mourned the King, describing him as a visionary traditional leader who united his subjects regardless of their political or religious affiliations.
In a statement issued on Friday, FDC president Patrick Oboi Amuriat said the party had received the news with shock and extended condolences to the royal family, the people of Tooro and all Ugandans.
"His Majesty will be remembered as one of the visionary traditional leaders of our time who led his people regardless of their political party or religion," Mr Amuriat said.
The party said that during his 31-year reign, King Oyo grew from a child monarch into an educated adult leader who championed education, youth empowerment, healthcare, environmental protection and the fight against HIV/Aids.
FDC called on Ugandans to remain united as they await official funeral arrangements from the Tooro Kingdom.
The Justice Forum (JEEMA) also joined the people of Tooro in mourning the King, describing him as a humble and visionary cultural leader who became a symbol of peace, unity and development.
JEEMA said King Oyo would be remembered for his efforts to empower young people, promote education through the King Oyo Scholarship Fund, conserve the environment and advocate for public health.
"His leadership embodied values of tolerance and social harmony that JEEMA cherishes," the party said.
JEEMA also used the occasion to call for greater national attention to non-communicable diseases, including hypertension, diabetes and cancer.
The party urged the Ministry of Health to strengthen public awareness, early screening and primary healthcare services, while calling for sustained investment in the health sector.
King Oyo died at about 10pm on Thursday, August 27, aged 34, according to the Tooro Kingdom Prime Minister, Calvin Armstrong Rwomiire Akiiki.
Reports of his death began circulating on social media earlier on Thursday, prompting the Tooro Kingdom to ask the public to disregard the unverified reports.
Later in the evening, the Kingdom confirmed that the King was critically ill and asked Ugandans to pray for him before his death was officially announced.
Born on April 16, 1992, Oyo became Omukama of Tooro on September 12, 1995, at the age of three, following the death of his father, Omukama Patrick David Matthew Kaboyo Olimi III.
He was formally crowned in April 2010 after attaining adulthood and went on to reign for 31 years.
His death has triggered an outpouring of tributes from political leaders, cultural institutions and members of the public, who have praised his contribution to Tooro and Uganda.
