Tooro King [Omukama] Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru Rukidi IV, a modern, widely admired and free-spirited monarch who ascended the Tooro throne at the age of three and spent his early years under a regency, has died aged 34.
In a striking twist of royal history, Oyo’s father, Omukama Patrick David Matthew Kaboyo Olimi III, died on August 26, 1995.
His son and heir to the Tooro throne was confirmed dead by the Kingdom on August 27, 2026 – 31 years and a day after his father’s passing. Oyo was also just weeks away from marking 31 years of his reign on September 12.
His sudden and shocking passing has stunned Uganda, a young nation, with his age deepening the sense of grief and disbelief.
The Tooro Kingdom announced his passing on Thursday in the United States, prompting an outpouring of tributes from Uganda’s political, cultural, religious, sporting and academic communities.
Here are some of the reactions:
Kyabazinga Nadiope IV, Busoga King: His Majesty Omukama Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru Rukidi IV leaves behind a cherished chapter in the history, culture and aspirations of the Tooro people. His remarkable legacy and devotion to his Kingdom will endure for generations.
US Embassy: We extend our deepest condolences to the Royal Family, the people of Tooro Kingdom, and all Ugandans on the passing of His Majesty Omukama Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru Rukidi IV. Omukama Atulize.
Peter Mayiga, Buganda Kingdom Prime Minister: The news of the passing of His Majesty, Omukama Oyo Nyimba Rukidi IV, has been received with shock and extreme sadness. I received the news from Omuhikirwa of Tooro, Calvin Armstrong Rwomiire, last evening, and I immediately informed His Majesty Kabaka Ronald Muwenda Mutebi II, who was saddened by the demise of the young monarch (34 years).
The Kabaka urges the people of Tooro to stand together during this period of grief. The Kingdom of Buganda stands with the people of Tooro, and all Ugandans, during this sad moment. May the Lord receive King Oyo’s soul.
Juliana Kanyomozi, musician: Enkuba etutiire [Lightning has struck us]It is a very dark day for Tooro Kingdom
Rest in peace Your Majesty Omukama of Tooro, King Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru Rukidi IV.
Gone too soon. What a loss!!!!
Milly Babalanda, Presidency Minister: His Majesty King Oyo will be remembered as a young, visionary and peace-loving King who ascended to the throne at a tender age and steered Tooro Kingdom with dignity, wisdom beyond his age, and a deep commitment to culture, education, youth empowerment, health and environmental conservation.
Rwenzururu Kingdom: The Royal Family and the entire Kingdom fraternity extend our deepest condolences to the people of Tooro and all those mourning this great loss. May the Almighty God comfort the Royal Family and grant His Majesty eternal rest.
Barnabas Nawangwe, Makerere University Vice Chancellor: On behalf of the Makerere University community, I send condolences to the people of Tooro and all Ugandans on the passing of King Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru Rukidi IV. Our thoughts are with the family of the late King and we pray that God grants his soul eternal rest.
Federation of Uganda Football Associations [FUFA]: We have lost a true friend of football. A humble King who deeply loved the Uganda Cranes and supported the game with passion and pride.
Anglican Church of Uganda Archbishop Stephen Kaziimba: On behalf of the Church of Uganda and on my own behalf, I extend our deepest condolences to the Royal Family, the people of Tooro Kingdom, Ruwenzori Diocese and the entire Body of Christ during this difficult time. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
As we mourn, we take comfort in the words of St Paul: ‘I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.’ 2 Timothy 4:7
Lilly Ajarova, former UTB chief: And to Ugandans everywhere: we have lost a young man who made us prouder of our country by reminding us of something we sometimes forget, that our mountains, forests, rivers and wild places are not simply things we possess. They are a heritage we must cherish, protect and pass on.
Richard Todwong, Secretary General of the ruling NRM party: We know this is a trying moment. Nothing about his health condition was known, and nothing about his condition was reported anywhere. Indeed, this has been a shock to everybody.
The party is in grief with the people of Tooro, the Royal Family and every Ugandan. We pray that the Kingdom finds calm and solace in the comfort of the many well-wishers, supporters and members that they have.
It is not an easy time. We pray that there is calm in the Kingdom and that there is honour and respect as we mourn His Royal Highness during this tragic moment.
Robert Kyagulanyi [Bobi Wine], oppsition NUP party leader: Most devastating news! May His Majesty the King’s soul rest in eternal peace.
John Baptist Nambeshe, Acting NUP President: His passing is a profound loss to the people of Tooro, Uganda, and the wider African community. May his legacy of leadership, unity, and service endure.
Col Deo Akiiki, Defence Adviser for Uganda in the US: The passing of His Majesty is an irreplaceable loss for us who knew and respected him. May we find strength, comfort, and peace in the wonderful memories of his reign.
Frank Gashumba, social-political commentator: If truly we have serious scientists in Uganda, they should shift their energy towards finding out the causes of cancer. There’s no single month that passes without losing someone to cancer, including my father, who passed on in 2019.
Josephine Karungi, former head of news, NTV Uganda: Heartbreaking! That’s what this is. 34? Lord, please strengthen his mother, sister, family and the kingdom. May he, King Oyo, rest in your everlasting arms. Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes. James 4:14
John R. Musinguzi, URA Chief: Let our hope and solace be based on the fact that King Oyo knew and acknowledged Jesus Christ as the King of Kings. May the merciful father in heaven remember him and grant him rest in eternal peace.
Rebecca Kadaga, Minister for East African Community Affairs: The Sun has set on the life of our beloved King Oyo, the Rukirabasaija Omukama of Toro.