President Yoweri Museveni has revealed that he knew the type of cancer the fallen King of Tooro, Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru Rukidi IV, had been battling before his death in the United States.
Museveni said he was informed about the King’s condition in November 2025, at the height of the presidential campaigns, and was told that the King would travel to the United States for treatment.
“He was a good man and did great work for the kingdom. I commiserate with the family and the Batoro for the loss of their king,” Museveni said.
Museveni made the remarks after receiving the King’s body, which arrived at Entebbe International Airport aboard a chartered flight, 5Y-FAM, from Nairobi.
The president paid his last respects to the fallen King and laid a wreath on the casket before holding a closed-door meeting with members of the royal family.
The body was later flown by Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) helicopter flight AF-625 to Kyegegwa, from where it will transferred to a vehicle for the journey by road to Tooro Kingdom.
King Oyo, who died on August 27 at the age of 34, became King of Tooro in 1995 at just three years old following the death of his father, King Patrick David Matthew Rwamuhokya Kaboyo Olimi III.
His ascension to the throne made him the world’s youngest reigning monarch, a distinction that brought international attention to the Tooro Kingdom. He later assumed full responsibilities as king after coming of age and was formally crowned in 2010.
Oyo was born on April 16, 1992, and spent his childhood balancing royal responsibilities with education. He attended Aga Khan Primary School in Kampala and later Kampala International School Uganda before pursuing a degree in Business Management at the University of Winchester in the United Kingdom.
For more than three decades, King Oyo remained a prominent cultural leader in Uganda. His reign focused on strengthening the Tooro Kingdom while championing initiatives in youth empowerment, education, health and environmental conservation.
In 2021, he launched Tooro Kingdom Vision 2045, a long-term development plan intended to guide the kingdom’s social and economic transformation.
During his reign, Oyo also became known for his interest in sports and his efforts to engage young people. His influence extended beyond the cultural institution, with leaders describing him as a unifying figure who promoted development and the welfare of the people of Tooro.
Parliament has since paid tribute to the late King, with legislators describing him as a distinguished leader who served the people of Tooro with resilience, love and hard work. He ruled the kingdom for 31 years.
His death has left the Tooro Kingdom mourning while traditional leaders begin preparations for his burial and the succession process.
The late King is expected to be accorded a royal farewell in accordance with the traditions of the Tooro Kingdom.
