The body of the late Tooro King, Ikingura Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru Rukidi IV, is expected to arrive in Uganda on Thursday, September 3rd, 2026, through Entebbe International Airport, where President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni will receive it.
According to Secretary in the Office of the President, Yunus Kakande, the King’s remains (Omuguta) will be received at the airport before being taken to Tooro for burial preparations and cultural rites.
The arrival comes amid growing uncertainty over the succession to the Tooro throne, following mixed reactions about whether Ikingura Oyo left behind a child who could become his successor.
The Tooro Prime Minister (Omuhikirwa), Calvin Armstrong Rwomiire Akiiki and President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni have previously said King Oyo left behind a prince who would succeed him. However, the Tooro Chief Prince, Omusuuga Charles Kamurasi Akiiki, who heads the Ababiito Royal Clan, has disputed the reports.
Omusuuga Kamurasi said the royal family did not know such a child, raising questions over the identity and legitimacy of the reported heir.
The disagreement has sparked debate over who has the authority to speak about and determine the next King. Dan Rubombora, a Mubiito criticised Omuhikirwa’s comments, saying, “The Prime Minister is not supposed to talk about the King’s heir.”
The succession question is expected to be handled through the established traditions and institutions of the Ababiito royal clan. A committee of royal elders is also expected to examine claims surrounding the reported heir.
King Oyo died at the age of 34 after 31 years on the Tooro throne. He became king in 1995 at the age of three, following the death of his father, Rukirabasaija Omukama Patrick David Matthew Kaboyo (Rwamuhokya) Olimi III.
As the Omuguta of Ikingura Oyo returns to Uganda, attention will turn to his final rites and the mourning process, and the dispute over his successor is likely to become an increasingly important issue for the Tooro Kingdom as it prepares for a new chapter in its monarchy.
