NEW KING TO BE REVEALED! Omukama Oyo Leaves Behind Prince as Heir

FORT PORTAL — The death of Tooro’s King Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru Rukidi IV has plunged the kingdom into mourning, with the royal succession now set to move into a new phase after the late monarch left behind a Prince who will inherit the throne.

The announcement was made by Calvin Armstrong Rwomiire Akiiki, the Omuhikirwa (Prime Minister) of Tooro Kingdom, who said the Omukama died at approximately 10:00 p.m.

“It is with profound sadness and a heavy heart that I announce the passing of His Majesty the Omukama of Tooro, King Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru Rukidi IV, at approximately 10:00 p.m. this evening [Thursday],” Rwomiire said.

The Prime Minister described the death as a major blow to the royal family, the people of Tooro and Uganda, as tributes followed the announcement of the death of one of Uganda’s most prominent traditional leaders.

“This is an immeasurable loss to the Royal Family, the people of Tooro and the nation of Uganda,” he said.

But alongside the grief, the kingdom has moved quickly to reassure the people of Tooro that the institution of the monarchy will continue.

Rwomiire revealed that King Oyo left behind a Prince designated as heir, although the identity of the successor will not immediately be made public.

“The continuity of the Crown is assured. His Majesty leaves behind a Prince as his heir, whose identity will be formally revealed at the appropriate time, in accordance with the traditions and customs of Tooro Kingdom,” he said.

The announcement effectively places succession at the centre of the days ahead, although the kingdom has not yet disclosed when the identity of the heir will be formally announced or when preparations for the coronation of the new Omukama will begin.

The Prime Minister urged the people of Tooro to avoid panic and remain together as the kingdom prepares to navigate the transition.

“I call upon the people of Tooro to remain united, calm and prayerful during this difficult time,” Rwomiire said.

He also announced that a more detailed communication would be issued covering the arrangements following the King’s death.

“An official statement will follow with further details, including the funeral and mourning arrangements,” he said.

The Prime Minister concluded the announcement with a traditional expression of mourning:

“May His Majesty the King rest in eternal peace.”

He also invoked the customary words, “Omukama Atulize. Enkuba Etutire [the king has rested. Thunder has struck].”

King Oyo’s death marks the end of an era for the Tooro Kingdom and opens a historic succession process whose next major moment will be the formal revelation of the Prince who is set to carry the Crown forward.