King Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru Rukidi IV of Uganda’s Tooro Kingdom, who made history as the world’s youngest reigning monarch after ascending the throne at three, has died at 34.
The monarch reportedly died around 10 p.m. on Thursday, according to the Prime Minister of the Tooro Kingdom, Calvin Armstrong Rwomiire Akiiki, who announced the death on X.
“With profound sadness and a heavy heart, I announce the passing of His Majesty the Omukama of Tooro, King Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru Rukidi IV,” Akiiki said.
The cause of death had not been disclosed as of the time of the announcement.
Oyo became the king of Tooro on September 12, 1995, following the death of his father, Rukirabasaija Patrick David Matthew Kaboyo Olimi III.
The Tooro Kingdom is one of Uganda’s traditional kingdoms restored under the country’s republican system. Although the monarchs have no constitutional political authority, they continue to play important cultural and social roles.
Located in western Uganda near the Democratic Republic of Congo, Tooro has remained one of the country’s prominent traditional institutions.
Before the announcement of his death, Ugandan government minister Balaam Barugahara had disclosed that the king was undergoing medical treatment in the United States.
Akiiki described Oyo’s death as “an immeasurable loss” and said the late monarch had left an heir, assuring that the succession of the Tooro throne would continue.
The unmarried monarch had remained a prominent cultural figure in Uganda and gained global recognition after his coronation as a three-year-old in 1995.
His death has triggered an outpouring of tributes from Ugandans, political leaders and public figures.
Opposition politician and musician Bobi Wine described the development as devastating.
“Most devastating news! May His Majesty the King’s soul rest in eternal peace,” he wrote on X.
In April, during celebrations marking Oyo’s birthday, the Tooro Kingdom Prime Minister had praised the monarch’s connection with younger generations, describing his youth as a source of energy and fresh perspective in leading the kingdom.
CNN
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