Ugandan king dies

Uganda’s Tooro Kingdom is mourning the death of King Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru Rukidi IV, who has died at the age of 34 after more than three decades on the throne.

Born on April 16, 1992, he was the son of king Patrick David Mathew Kaboyo Olimi lll.In August 1995, tragedy struck the kingdom, his father died suddenly, week later, Oyo was installed as the king of Tooro known as Omukama.

Guinness World Record had recognized him as the world’s youngest reigning monarch, Because of his age, Oyo could not immediately exercise full royal authority.

His mother, Queen Mother Best Kemigisa, together with royal elders and regents, guided the affairs of the kingdom as he grew up.Then in April 2010, at the age of 18, Oyo took full operation control. For Oyo, the crown meant growing up as the castodian of Tooro’s history, traditions and identity.Despite his Royal responsibities,Oyo continued with his studies. After his primary and secondary education in Uganda, he graduated from the University of Winchester with a Bachelor’s degree in Business Management.

King Oyo was never officially married and had no publicly recognized queen consort.

In 2025, his mother, queen mother Best Kemigisa, publicly urged him to marry, saying she wanted him to have children.

However, following his death, the kingdom’s prime minister revealed that Oyo left behind a prince who is expected to succeed him, but the identity of the heir has not been disclosed yet.

Meanwhile,King Oyo of the Tooro Kingdom is scheduled to be buried on Saturday, September 12, 2026.