The Paramount Chief of Acholi, Rwot David Onen Acana II, has mourned the death of Tooro King Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru Rukidi IV. In a condolence statement issued on Thursday, Rwot Acana said he, the 57 chiefs of the various Acholi chiefdoms and the people of Acholi received the news of King Oyo’s death with “profound shock and sadness.”
Rwot Acana described the late monarch as a promising king who touched many lives through his work in youth empowerment and HIV/AIDS prevention. “It was less than two years ago that the two royals met at Igongo Cultural Centre; he was a promising King that had touched many lives, especially on youth empowerment and HIV AIDS prevention,” said Rwot Acana.
Rwot Acana recalled King Oyo’s historic ascension to the Tooro throne as one of the youngest monarchs in the world, saying his enthronement was celebrated across Uganda and internationally.
Rwot Acana conveyed his “deepest sympathies and condolences” to the Tooro Kingdom, saying the people of Acholi had joined the kingdom in mourning and prayers for the deceased king. “May the Almighty God accord the King eternal paradise,” he said.
King Oyo died last week at a hospital in the United States at the age of 34. His death was announced by the Tooro Kingdom on August 27. The late monarch ascended to the Tooro throne at the age of three following the death of his father, Patrick Olimi Kaboyo III, in 1995.
His body is expected to arrive in Uganda from the United States this morning, to be received by President Yoweri Museveni at Entebbe International Airport ahead of his burial on September 12. The burial date coincides with the anniversary of King Oyo’s coronation, marking 31 years since he was enthroned on September 12, 1995-URN. Give us feedback on this story through our email: kamwokyatimes@gmail.com
