ENTEBBE, Uganda — The remains of Tooro King Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru Rukidi IV have returned to Uganda, where President Yoweri Museveni led government and royal officials in paying their final respects to the late monarch at Entebbe International Airport.
The 34-year-old king died in Dallas, Texas, on August 27 while receiving treatment for an aggressive form of cancer. His body arrived at Entebbe on Friday aboard a chartered aircraft, marking the beginning of his final journey home.
Museveni received the remains at the airport and laid a wreath in honour of the king, who had ruled Tooro for more than three decades.
From Entebbe, the body was airlifted by a Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) helicopter to Kyegegwa District in western Uganda. It was then transferred to a hearse for the more than 100-kilometre journey to Karuziika Palace in Fort Portal, the seat of the Tooro Kingdom.
The return of the king’s remains marks the beginning of the official nine-day mourning period under Tooro cultural traditions.
King Oyo will be buried on September 12, 2026, at the Karambi Royal Tombs in Fort Portal.
The date carries particular significance because it is also the anniversary of his coronation. Oyo became king on September 12, 1995, at the age of three, following the death of his father, King Patrick Matthew Kaboyo Olimi III.
The final funeral programme will begin with a church service at St John’s Cathedral in Fort Portal. The service and speeches are expected to conclude around midday, after which the king’s remains will be taken on foot to the royal burial grounds at Karambi.
The burial rites are expected to be completed by about 2pm, in keeping with Tooro tradition that kings are not buried in the evening.
Until the burial, the king’s body will lie in state at Karuziika Palace, where members of the public will be allowed to pay their respects. Prayers will also be held at the palace each evening throughout the mourning period.
Oyo became an international figure after ascending the Tooro throne at just three years old.
He was later recognised by Guinness World Records as the world’s youngest reigning monarch and went on to rule the kingdom for 31 years.
During his reign, Oyo was associated with efforts to promote education, youth empowerment, tourism, health and environmental conservation.
Uganda’s Parliament held a special sitting to honour the late king, with lawmakers describing him as a leader who made a significant contribution to Tooro and the country.
Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja described Oyo as a symbol of unity, while other legislators praised his efforts to advance education and opportunities for young people.
Although Uganda is a republic governed by an elected president and Parliament, traditional kingdoms such as Tooro retain important cultural and social roles and continue to command significant influence among their communities.
Oyo’s death has also raised questions about the future leadership of the Tooro Kingdom.
The uncertainty stems partly from conflicting public statements about whether the late king left an heir.
Tooro Kingdom Prime Minister Calvin Armstrong Rwomiire Akiiki has said Oyo left behind a young son whose identity would be disclosed later in accordance with Tooro customs.
Queen Mother Best Kemigisa also reportedly told President Museveni that her son had left an heir.
However, Charles Kamurasi, head of the Babiito royal clan from which Tooro kings are chosen, has publicly said he was unaware of the reported child.
The disagreement has prompted calls for restraint as the kingdom mourns.
Rwomiire has urged senior cultural leaders and members of the public to resolve the matter privately and avoid statements that could deepen divisions within the kingdom.
The Ugandan government has similarly called on the public to rely on official information and avoid spreading speculation about the succession on social media.
The succession process is expected to follow the traditional and legal framework governing cultural institutions in Uganda.
Also Read: Museveni reveals King Oyo battled cancer, leaves behind young heir
The king’s death has brought an end to one of the most unusual royal stories in modern Africa.
He inherited the Tooro throne as a three-year-old child and grew into one of Uganda’s most prominent traditional leaders, maintaining the cultural institution’s influence while the country remained under a republican system.
His final journey began in the United States and has now brought him back to the kingdom he led for 31 years.
For the people of Tooro, the nine-day mourning period will culminate on September 12 — the same date on which Oyo began his reign more than three decades ago.
This year, however, the date will mark not another coronation anniversary, but the final rites for the king who became a monarch at three and died at 34.
