Tooro Kingdom Prime Minister Calvin Armstrong Rwomiire Akiiki has defended the decision to keep information about the late King Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru Rukidi IV’s deteriorating health private, saying public statements indicating the monarch was abroad for studies were made in accordance with the King’s explicit directions.
In a statement issued Thursday via his X handle as Tooro prepares to receive the body of the 34-year-old monarch on Friday, Mr Rwomiire stated that he had a responsibility to respect King Oyo’s privacy and protect him from unnecessary public alarm.
‘The information communicated to the public that His Majesty was abroad studying, and subsequently that he was well, was communicated in accordance with His Majesty’s express wishes and direction,’ Mr Rwomiire said. ‘As someone serving him, it was my responsibility to respect his wishes and protect his privacy. I did so faithfully and respectfully.’
The clarification comes days after the King’s death triggered questions within sections of the royal family and the wider Tooro community regarding what officials knew about his health and his prolonged stay abroad. King Oyo died at approximately 10:00 PM on August 27, 2026, while receiving medical treatment in the United States.
His death was announced by Mr Rwomiire via X shortly after the Kingdom had confirmed earlier in the day that the monarch was in critical condition. The development followed weeks of public uncertainty. On August 3, Mr Rwomiire dismissed reports that King Oyo was battling cancer in the US, maintaining that the monarch was abroad purely for academic pursuits.
However, on August 27, following widespread social media reports, the Kingdom altered its public position, confirming the King was critically ill and appealing for public prayers. The sequence of contradictory public statements generated criticism among Batooro.
Mr Rwomiire insisted the initial stance was not meant to deceive subjects, noting that King Oyo believed he would recover and return home for the 31st Empango (coronation anniversary) celebrations.
‘I am also confident that His Majesty acted in good faith,’ Mr Rwomiire explained. ‘He was confident in his recovery and was looking forward to returning home and reuniting with his people for the 31st Empango. He did not want to cause unnecessary alarm among his people.’
The Prime Minister’s remarks follow emerging friction over the handling of royal information. Omujwera Musuuga Charles Kamurasi, the head of the Babiito royal clan and Chief Prince, disclosed that he was not informed about the King’s illness and only learned of his death during a meeting with the Bishop of Fort Portal Diocese. Mr Kamurasi questioned why senior traditional leaders were kept in the dark.
The controversy coincides with broader tensions regarding succession. While announcing King Oyo’s death, Mr Rwomiire stated the monarch left behind a Prince to succeed him. President Yoweri Museveni similarly indicated an heir exists. However, Mr Kamurasi disputed these assertions, stating the Babiito clan has not been formally notified of any biological child of the late King.
Addressing the mounting disputes, Mr Rwomiire appealed to the royal family, cultural leaders, public officials, and media users to avoid turning the mourning period into a political or personal contest.
‘There will be a proper time and forum, after His Majesty has been laid to rest, to address any matters that require clarification. For now, everything else is secondary,’ Mr Rwomiire said. ‘Moments like these require leadership, not posturing. They require less talking and more organising.’
Religious leaders have echoed calls for calm. The Tooro Inter-Religious Council urged the Kingdom to remain unified as traditional processes to determine the succession move forward.
King Oyo ascended the Tooro throne on September 12, 1995, at age three following the death of his father, King Patrick David Matthew Kaboyo Olimi III. Recognized by the Guinness World Records as the world’s youngest reigning monarch, he assumed full operational control of the Kingdom upon turning 18 in 2010, leading Tooro for three decades. His reign prioritized youth empowerment, environmental conservation, and tourism. Parliament praised his environmental advocacy, notably his ascent of Margherita Peak.
President Museveni, who directed that King Oyo receive an official burial with national flags flown at half-mast for three days, disclosed that the government supported the King’s medical treatment in Germany and the United States after he was diagnosed with aggressive cancer.
The King’s body is scheduled to arrive in Uganda on Friday, September 4, traveling through Kyegegwa District before being driven to the Karuziika Palace in Fort Portal for final mourning and funeral rites.
Calling for unity, Mr Rwomiire stated: ‘Our duty now is simple: to receive our King with honour, lay him to rest with dignity, and stand together as one people.’