King Oyo critically ill in US, kingdom officials say, as death reports circulate
The reports, attributed to an unnamed family source, claimed that the 34-year-old monarch had succumbed to cancer while undergoing treatment in the United States.
Reports circulating on Thursday afternoon claiming that Omukama Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru Rukidi IV, the King of Tooro, had died in a United States hospital have been dismissed by kingdom and government officials, who said the monarch is alive but in critical condition.
The reports, attributed to an unnamed family source, claimed that the 34-year-old monarch had succumbed to cancer while undergoing treatment in the United States.
However, Calvin Armstrong Rwomiire Akiiki, the Omuhikirwa (Prime Minister) of Tooro Kingdom, issued an official statement confirming that King Oyo is critically ill and appealed to the public to avoid spreading unverified information about his condition.
“This is to inform you that His Majesty King Oyo is currently in a critical condition,” Rwomiire said.
He appealed to the people of Tooro, as well as friends and well-wishers in Uganda and around the world, to keep the King in their thoughts and prayers.
“We equally appeal to everyone to refrain from speculation, rumours or sharing unverified information regarding His Majesty’s condition,” he said.
The Prime Minister said the kingdom understood the anxiety caused by reports about the monarch’s health but called for calm, restraint and respect for the King and the Royal Family.
“The official channels of Tooro Kingdom will provide updates as and when appropriate,” he said.
The government’s Minister of Local Government, Balaam Barugahara Ateenyi, also called for prayers for the monarch, confirming that King Oyo remains under medical management in the United States.
“His Majesty the King of Tooro is still unwell and remains under medical management in the United States of America,” Barugahara said.
The minister urged Ugandans and people of goodwill to pray for the King’s healing, strength and recovery.
King Oyo’s reign
Born on April 16, 1992, King Oyo succeeded his father, Omukama Patrick Matthew Kaboyo Olimi III, who died in 1995. He was only three years old when he ascended the throne, making him one of the world’s youngest reigning monarchs at the time.
Because of his young age, the affairs of the kingdom were initially managed through regents and guardians. He assumed greater responsibility for the kingdom after reaching adulthood.
Tooro Kingdom, whose royal capital is Fort Portal, is one of Uganda’s traditional kingdoms. It traces its origins to the 19th century and has historically been closely linked to the wider history of the Bunyoro-Kitara region.
Like Uganda’s other traditional institutions, the Tooro monarchy was abolished in 1967 when the government abolished kingdoms and declared Uganda a republic. Traditional kingdoms were restored in 1993 as cultural institutions, although they do not exercise political or administrative authority.
Throughout his reign, King Oyo has been involved in cultural preservation and initiatives in education, health, agriculture and youth empowerment.
The latest developments have triggered widespread concern among the Abatooro and the King’s supporters, with the Tooro Kingdom urging the public to rely on official communication as his medical team continues to manage his condition.
For now, King Oyo’s death has not been officially announced, and the kingdom has confirmed only that the monarch remains critically ill in the United States.
