The body of Uganda’s King Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru Rukidi IV has returned to the country ahead of his burial, with mourners and members of the Tooro Kingdom gathering at Entebbe Airport to receive his remains.
King Oyo, who died last week in the United States at the age of 34 following an undisclosed illness, was received in a formal military ceremony attended by President Yoweri Museveni.
Museveni said he had supported the king and his family during his treatment abroad.
“I gave assistance to the king and his family before his death. They first went to Germany and later they went to the United States for treatment, but it didn’t go as we hoped,” the president said.
King Oyo ascended the throne of Uganda’s Tooro Kingdom at the age of three, becoming widely known as the world’s youngest reigning monarch.
His death has triggered an outpouring of grief across the kingdom.
“In fact, this is unbearable,” said Rwomusha Ibanda Gerald, a Tooro prince.
“It was shocking to lose a wonderful and impactful king. He has died at the age of 34 but impactful. Someone might die at 90 or 80 but with little records, but at 34 years the record is immense.”
Uganda is a republic but officially recognises traditional kingdoms, which have limited political powers. Their monarchs, however, continue to play important roles as custodians of culture and traditions.
King Oyo was not officially married at the time of his death, raising concerns about a possible succession dispute.
President Museveni said the king’s mother had informed him that her son had an heir, although officials of the Tooro Kingdom have said they are not aware of the existence of such a child.
Local Government Minister Balam Barugahara sought to reassure the public, saying the kingdom had mechanisms in place to manage the succession process.
“We have a succession plan and we have a Babiito clan. We have the chief Mubiito, who is now the current chairperson of the kingdom, running the affairs of the kingdom, and the kingdom put in place 21 members to execute its duty, so all is well. People should be calm,” Barugahara said.
King Oyo’s body will lie in state in Kyegegwa, in western Uganda’s Tooro Kingdom, before his burial on September 12.
His death marks the end of a remarkable reign that began in childhood and lasted more than three decades, during which he became a prominent symbol of Tooro’s cultural heritage.
