By Wakibi Iddi
FORT PORTAL — The King of Tooro, Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru Rukidi IV, was laid to rest on Saturday, September 12, at the Karambi Royal Tombs, following 16 days of mourning after his death on August 27.
King Oyo, 34, died in the United States, where he was receiving treatment for cancer. His burial followed funeral prayers at St John’s Cathedral in Fort Portal and was attended by Government officials, cultural leaders, royals and hundreds of mourners.
President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, represented by Deputy Speaker Thomas Tayebwa, described King Oyo as a champion of culture and a personal friend who maintained a constructive relationship with Government.
“He preferred to be regarded as a brother rather than a king,” Museveni said, praising Oyo’s humility and commitment to the people of Tooro.
The President urged Ugandans to intensify the fight against cancer through early detection and regular check-ups. He also called on the people of Tooro to handle the succession process peacefully and lawfully.
The Archbishop of the Church of Uganda, Stephen Kaziimba Mugalu, who led the funeral service, urged the people of Tooro to remain united during the mourning period.
“The death of the King should bring the people together rather than create new conflicts,” Kaziimba said.
He also appealed to individuals holding historical properties belonging to the Tooro Kingdom to return them.
In an emotional tribute, Queen Mother Best Kemigisa described her son as prayerful and merciful.
“I prayed that God would spare him and even asked Him to take my life instead,” she said.
Princess Ruth Komuntale revealed that her brother had endured persistent pain for more than a year before he was diagnosed with angiosarcoma, a rare cancer affecting blood vessels.
She said King Oyo had asked that his illness remain private to avoid causing fear among his subjects.
Princess Ruth urged the public to seek medical attention early and thanked President Museveni for supporting the royal family during Oyo’s illness.
Kabaka Ronald Muwenda Mutebi II, in a message delivered by Prince David Wasajja, described Oyo’s death as a loss to all traditional institutions.
He recalled serving as one of Oyo’s guardians when the late King ascended the throne at the age of three.
“He grew into a monarch who carried his responsibilities with dignity, courage and grace,” the Kabaka said.
Oyo ascended the throne in 1995 at the age of three and went on to serve as a prominent cultural leader for more than three decades. His reign was marked by advocacy for youth empowerment, environmental conservation, tourism and the fight against HIV/AIDS.