The Inter-Religious Council of Uganda – Tooro Chapter has called for calm and unity in Tooro Kingdom as the kingdom observes its traditions to identify the rightful heir to Omukama Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru Rukidi IV.
Omukama Oyo died last week at the age of 34 in the United States where he was receiving cancer treatment.
In a condolence statement issued by Rt Rev Dr Robert Muhiirwa, the Bishop of Fort Portal Catholic Diocese and Chairperson of the Tooro Inter-Religious Council, the council said the transition should honour the continuity that the late king had assured the kingdom.
The call comes at a time when the kingdom is facing a succession struggle. While announcing the death of the King on August 27, Kingdom Prime Minister Calvin Armstrong Rwomiire said the King had left a Prince as his heir, but Omusuuga Charles Kamurasi, the head of the royal Babiito clan, has maintained that the King left no heir.
The religious leaders also called on all faith communities to unite in prayer for the peaceful repose of the late King’s soul and to offer comfort to the Royal Family and the people of Tooro during the mourning period.
The council described King Oyo as a monarch who dedicated his reign to the service of the King of kings and treated every religious community with equal respect.
They explained that the late King’s spirit of inclusion strengthened harmony across the kingdom and provided a firm foundation for interfaith cooperation.
The council also remembered King Oyo for his advocacy for service delivery, commitment to environmental protection, promotion of tourism and his emphasis on mindset change, strong families and education among the youth.