Museveni Mourns King Oyo as Monarch’s Body Returns Home

ENTEBBE, UGANDA — President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has paid tribute to the late King of Tooro, His Majesty King Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru Rukidi IV, describing him as a good person and a good leader whose death is a great loss to both the people of Tooro and the country.

President Museveni received the body of the late King at Entebbe International Airport on 4th September 2026, marking the beginning of the final journey home for the Tooro monarch following his death abroad.

In his tribute, President Museveni revealed that the royal family had informed him about the King's illness in November 2025, prompting efforts by the government and other stakeholders to support specialised medical treatment.

“The Queen Mother first informed me of his illness in November 2025, and we supported efforts to secure specialised treatment for him in Germany and later in the United States. Unfortunately, he died,” President Museveni said.

The President's remarks shed light on the efforts made to secure advanced medical care for King Oyo as his health condition deteriorated.

King Oyo's death has sent shockwaves across the Tooro Kingdom and Uganda, with leaders, institutions and members of the public continuing to pay tribute to a monarch whose reign was marked by his role as the cultural leader of the Batooro people.

President Museveni said the late King had distinguished himself as a leader and would be remembered for his contribution to the Kingdom of Tooro and the country.

“Throughout his reign as King of Tooro, Oyo was a good person and a good leader. His passing is a great loss to the people of Tooro and Uganda,” the President said.

The President also appealed to the people of Tooro to remain peaceful and united during the period of mourning, urging them not to allow grief over the King's death to result in confusion or disorganisation.

“I encourage the people of Tooro to remain calm and avoid disorganisation, even in this difficult time,” Museveni said.

His appeal comes as the Kingdom, the royal family and government authorities prepare to coordinate the mourning and burial arrangements for the late monarch.

The death of King Oyo has been widely described as a major loss to the Tooro Kingdom, whose cultural institution has played an important role in preserving the traditions, identity and heritage of the Batooro people.

As Uganda joins the people of Tooro in mourning, tributes continue to pour in for the late King, with many remembering his leadership and contribution to the cultural institution.

President Museveni concluded his message with a prayer for the departed monarch.

“May the Lord grant him eternal rest. Amen,” the President said.

The return of the King's body to Uganda is expected to usher in a period of official mourning as the Kingdom of Tooro, the royal family, government leaders and the people of Uganda pay their final respects to King Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru Rukidi IV.