Parliament on Tuesday observed a moment of silence in honor of the late King of Tooro, Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru Rukidi IV, who died at the age of 34.
Speaker of Parliament Jacob Markson Oboth-Oboth communicated the death of the king to Members of Parliament before asking the House to observe a moment of silence in his honour.
The Speaker said the king championed tourism, environmental conservation, climate change initiatives and youth empowerment.
The Premier of Tooro Kingdom, Calvin Armstrong Rwomiire Akiiki, was also present in Parliament. The Speaker indicated that the House would consider a motion to pay tribute to the fallen king in due course.
However, as preparations continue for the king’s return, mourners have been gathering at the Tooro Kingdom palace in Buziga, Kampala, where they are signing the condolence book and paying tribute to a monarch who ascended the throne at the age of three and grew into one of Uganda’s most recognisable cultural leaders.
The palace has become a place of mourning and remembrance, with political leaders, public officials, members of the royal family and ordinary Ugandans coming to stand in solidarity with the people of Tooro.
Ambassador Wasswa Birigwa said he had visited the palace to pay his respects to the Tooro Kingdom and the royal family, describing King Oyo as someone who had been part of his family for many years.
Birigwa said he had been close to King Oyo’s father, Omukama Patrick Matthew Kaboyo Olimi III, and had spent time with him, including during his exile in Nairobi.
He recalled being happy when the Omukama Patrick Olimi married and later welcomed Prince Oyo, adding that King Oyo eventually studied with his children at Aga Khan.
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Kampala Capital City Authority Speaker John Mary Ssebuwufu led a council delegation to the palace, saying they had come to stand in solidarity with the people of Tooro.
Ssebuwufu praised the contribution of the Tooro Kingdom to Uganda, particularly in tourism and human development. He noted that the kingdom has produced people who have gone on to serve the country in various capacities, while the region itself remains an important tourism destination.
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Former Ntoroko MP Rwemulikya Ibanda described King Oyo’s death as shocking and painful, particularly because he had spent much of his life as monarch after ascending the throne at only three years old.
Ibanda remembered King Oyo for supporting medical camps, the Amasaza ga Tooro football competitions, education, agriculture and talent development.
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John Baptist Nambeshe, the National Unity Platform acting president, also visited the palace to convey condolences on behalf of the party and its president, Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu.
Nambeshe described King Oyo’s death as premature, saying Uganda had lost a leader who had contributed to several national and international causes.
He particularly highlighted the king’s work in the fight against HIV/AIDS, youth empowerment, children’s rights and environmental conservation.
Nambeshe said King Oyo had become an important voice in these areas and that Uganda would miss his contribution.
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During a vigil held on Monday at the Tooro Kingdom palace in Buziga, Rev. Patrick Kamali urged mourners to remain quiet and reflective as they grieve the loss of the king.
Using the biblical story of King Uzziah, Kamali reflected on the death of a king and the uncertainty that can follow the loss of a long-serving leader.
He noted that King Oyo, like Uzziah, had begun his reign at a young age and had grown into leadership.
Rev. Kamali said the late king had encouraged agriculture, unity, and community development and urged the people of Tooro to continue upholding the values he promoted.
He encouraged mourners not to lose hope, saying the difficult period would eventually pass.
“This is my prophecy to you, and this will pass,” Kamali told the mourners.
He also called for spiritual reflection, humility and unity, urging Ugandans to consider how they could preserve the legacy of the late king.
At the Buziga palace, the condolence book continues to attract Ugandans wishing to leave messages for the royal family.
His remains are expected to arrive on Thursday, when the country will enter another phase of mourning as the royal family, the Tooro Kingdom and the nation prepare to bid farewell to the fallen king-URN. Give us feedback on this story through our email: kamwokyatimes@gmail.com
