Museveni speaks out on King Oyo's death, heir
In honour of the departed king, President Museveni ordered that King Oyo will be accorded an official burial. Additionally, all the flags in the country will fly at half-mast for three days: the eve of the burial, the day of the burial and after the burial.
Museveni (L) said that some months back, Her Royal Highness Kemigisa, Nyinomukama, came to tell me that the Muzzukulu King Oyo (R) had cancer that was very aggressive. The Government supported them to go to Germany and then to the USA, where he died.
KAMPALA - President Yoweri Museveni has revealed that the late Tooro King Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru Rukidi IV succumbed to some "aggressive cancer".
Aged 34, Oyo was pronounced dead Thursday at a hospital in the United States.
His death ends the 31year reign since his enthronement on September 12, 1995, after the death of his father, King Patrick David Matthew Kaboyo Olimi III.
At the time, President Museveni was appointed among the four regents (guardians) of the child king, then aged three years.
In a post on social media X, President Museveni disclosed that King Oyo is survived by a "young boy heir".
In honour of the departed king, President Museveni ordered that King Oyo will be accorded an official burial.
King Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru Rukidi IV, President Yoweri Museveni and Queen Mother Best Kemigisa in a recent photo at State House, Entebbe.
President's statement in full
Fellow Ugandans, especially the Bazzukulu,
It is with a lot of sadness that, on behalf of all Ugandans, Maama Janet and myself, I extend our most heartfelt condolences to the Royal Family of Tooro and to all Ugandans on account of the death of the prominent Muzzukulu, His Highness Oyo, the King of Tooro, at such a young age of 34. How unfair life can be!! He was orphaned while still young, and he has died young.
Some months back, Her Royal Highness Kemigisa, Nyinomukama, came to tell me that the Muzzukulu Oyo had cancer that was very aggressive. The Government supported them to go to Germany and then to the USA, where he died.
Fortunately, in a telephone call, Her Royal Highness Kemigisa told me that H.H. Oyo left a young boy heir who will be introduced to the public at the right time.
H.H. Oyo worked well with the Central Government, thereby avoiding the mistake of trying to use the Cultural Institutions that were restored by the NRM to promote sectarianism. It would be good if all the Cultural leaders understood the importance of this.
I direct that H.H. Oyo be given an official burial and, for three days, all the flags fly at half-mast. The three days are: the day of the burial, the day before and the day after. May his soul rest in eternal peace.
Signed:
Yoweri K. Museveni
President of the Republic of Uganda