UGAFMA Chairman Pays Tribute to Late Tooro King Oyo, Hails His Legacy of Unity and Development

KAMPALA, Uganda — The Chairman of the Uganda Animal Feeds Manufacturers Association (UGAFMA), Aimable Mbarushimana, has paid tribute to the late Omukama of Tooro Kingdom, King Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru Rukidi IV, describing him as a visionary leader, custodian of culture and champion of unity whose legacy will continue to inspire generations.

On behalf of UGAFMA, its Board, members and the wider animal feeds industry, Mbarushimana extended heartfelt condolences to the Royal Family, the people of the Tooro Kingdom and all Ugandans mourning the passing of the monarch.

In a condolence message, the association said it stood in solidarity with the Kingdom of Tooro during what it described as a difficult period of mourning.

“On behalf of UGAFMA, its Board, Members, and the entire Animal Feeds Industry, we extend our deepest condolences to the Royal Family, the Kingdom of Tooro, and the people of Tooro on the passing of His Royal Highness King Rukirabasaija Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru Rukidi IV,” the association said.

UGAFMA described the late King Oyo as a leader whose commitment to culture, unity and development left a lasting mark on the kingdom and the country.

“A visionary leader, a custodian of culture, and a champion of unity and development, his legacy will continue to inspire generations,” the message added.

The association further prayed for the late King’s soul to rest in eternal peace and reaffirmed its support for the people of Tooro during the mourning period.

“UGAFMA stands with the Kingdom of Tooro in this time of mourning,” the statement concluded.

The tribute from Mbarushimana and the animal feeds industry adds to the growing wave of condolences from leaders, institutions and Ugandans following the death of King Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru Rukidi IV, whose passing has brought the country together in mourning.

King Oyo died at the age of 34, with his death announced by the Tooro Kingdom leadership last week. He ascended to the throne in 1995 at the age of three following the death of his father, becoming internationally known as the world's youngest reigning monarch. His death has been widely described as a major loss to the Royal Family, the Tooro Kingdom and Uganda.

During his reign, King Oyo came to represent both the preservation of Tooro's rich cultural heritage and the aspirations of a younger generation. Tributes from across Uganda have remembered him as a humble leader who remained connected to his people and dedicated to the causes and institutions that shaped the development of the kingdom.

Mbarushimana's message reflects the solidarity of Uganda's private sector and agricultural industry with the people of Tooro, as the kingdom continues to receive condolences from different sections of society.

UGAFMA, which brings together players in Uganda's animal feeds industry, is chaired by Aimable Mbarushimana and has been involved in advocacy and collaboration aimed at strengthening the country's animal feeds and livestock sectors.

As the nation continues to mourn, the association said the late monarch's contribution as a cultural leader and symbol of unity will remain an important part of his enduring legacy.

May His Royal Highness King Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru Rukidi IV rest in eternal peace.