The Tooro Kingdom has been plunged into mourning following the death of Omukama Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru Rukidi IV at approximately 10:00 p.m. on Thursday, August 27th, 2026.

The death of the 34-year-old monarch was announced by the Tooro Kingdom Prime Minister, Calvin Armstrong Rwomiire Akiiki in a statement posted on his X handle.

Akiiki Rwomiire described the passing as an immeasurable loss to the Royal Family, the people of Tooro and Uganda.

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

With grief covering across the kingdom, the Prime Minister called on the people of Tooro to remain calm and united, urging them to turn to prayer during the difficult period.

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

The Prime Minister also moved to reassure the kingdom about the future of the institution of the Omukama, saying the Crown would continue despite the death of the reigning monarch.

Akiiki Rwomiire stated that King Oyo leaves behind a Prince who will be his heir, although the identity of the successor will be formally announced at the appropriate time in accordance with the traditions and customs of Tooro Kingdom.

“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 stated.

The kingdom is expected to issue further communication on the funeral and mourning arrangements as the Royal Family and the people of Tooro begin to come to terms with the loss.

Akiiki Rwomiire further said that the official details would be communicated later.

“An official statement will follow with further details, including the funeral and mourning arrangements,” the Prime Minister added.

Preliminary information indicates that King Oyo has succumbed to cancer in the US.

King Oyo ascended the Tooro throne in 1995 at just three years old following the death of his father, Omukama Patrick Matthew Kaboyo Olimi III.

His father’s death occurred on August 26th, 1995. Exactly 31 years later, on August 27th, 2026, King Oyo himself died at the age of 34.

The dates add a striking and deeply emotional chapter to the history of the Tooro monarchy as father and son died 31 years apart, with their deaths occurring just one day apart on the calendar.

Oyo’s reign, which began in childhood, made him one of Uganda’s most recognisable cultural leaders and brought the Tooro monarchy into a new generation.

His death now leaves the kingdom mourning a monarch whose journey to the throne began more than three decades ago as a three-year-old prince.

Omukama Atulize.

Enkuba Etutire.

May His Majesty Omukama Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru Rukidi IV rest in eternal peace.