The Prime Minister of Tooro Kingdom, Calvin Armstrong Rwomire Akiiki has dismissed reports alleging that Omukama Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru Rukidi IV is battling cancer and receiving treatment in the United States, describing the claims as false, misleading and irresponsible.
Rwomire made the remarks while addressing journalists at the Kingdom Headquarters in Muchwa, Fort Portal City on Monday following the publication of a story on a news website claiming that the King was seriously ill and undergoing treatment abroad. The Prime Minister said the Kingdom was concerned about the spread of unverified information regarding the health of the monarch, noting that the King is abroad for studies and not treatment.
Although he declined to reveal the detail about the studies the King is persuing, Rwomiire clarified that the King’s lifestyle is private and everything in his life cannot be publicized every time.
However, he added that in case of such a serious matter, the Kingdom has to formally inform the subjects about the health of their King. Rwomire emphasized that the Omukama is in good health and urged the public to disregard the rumors and rely only on information communicated through the Kingdom’s official channels.
Bernard Rwakatale Kato the Deputy Musuga (head of the royal clan) in the Kingdom explained that the Kingdom has established protocols and cultural procedures for communicating matters concerning the King especially issues related to his health or the institution of the monarchy.
“Whenever there is any matter of public concern involving the Omukama, there are designated officials and established cultural rituals through which the Kingdom communicates to its subjects.” Rwomire said.
Omukama Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru Rukidi IV was Born on April 16 1992, he ascended the Tooro throne on September 12 1995, at the age of three and a half years, following the death of his father Omukama Patrick David Matthew Kaboyo Olimi III.
Over the years, King Oyo has championed youth development, education, health and cultural preservation. He has also served as a global advocate on HIV/AIDS awareness and has represented the Kingdom on various international platforms. Next month, the king will be celebrating his 31st coronation anniversary-URN. Give us feedback on this story through our email: kamwokyatimes@gmail.com
