The King of Tooro, Omukama Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru Rukidi IV, has died at the age of 34, the kingdom has announced.
The announcement was made by Tooro Kingdom premier Calvin Armstrong Rwomire Akiiki in a statement issued at 11:02 pm on Thursday, hours after social media was flooded with reports of the monarch’s death at around 12 pm.
The reports had initially been dismissed by the kingdom, with Akiiki saying the Omukama was critically ill. In his late-night statement, however, the premier confirmed that King Oyo had died at about 10 pm on Thursday.
“It is with profound sadness and a heavy heart that I announce the passing of His Majesty the Omukama of Tooro, King Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru Rukidi IV, at approximately 10:00 p.m. this evening,” Akiiki said.
He assured the kingdom that the institution of the Omukama would continue, saying the late king had left behind a son who would succeed him.
“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,” Akiiki said.
The death brings to an end the 31-year reign of a monarch who became one of Africa’s youngest reigning kings after ascending the Tooro throne as a three-year-old. The identity of the heir and details of the succession process will be formally communicated in accordance with Tooro’s traditions and customs, according to the kingdom.
Oyo was enthroned on September 12, 1995, following the death of his father, Omukama Patrick Olimi Kaboyo II, on August 26, 1995. He inherited the throne at a time when the restoration of Uganda’s traditional institutions was still in its early years.
His reign was marked by efforts to promote education, youth empowerment, tourism, environmental conservation and economic development in the kingdom, while maintaining the cultural institution’s role in the social life of the Tooro people.
The circumstances surrounding his death had not been disclosed by the kingdom by the time of the announcement. But The Observer understands that the King had been hospitalised in the United States for some time before his death.
WHAT NEXT?
Following the king’s death announcement, the royal regalia and all instruments of power, including the royal drum (Nyalebe), royal stool, spears have been turned upside down to indicate that throne is empty and will only turned upright again when a new King is crowned.
Nine days of mourning
The Babiito elders and royal clan prepare the burial. The mourning journey lasts none days. During this time the body is prepared and taken to the Karambi royal tombs (Ha’gasani) where all Tooro kings are buried.
Succession is assured but secret
The continuity of the Crown is always assured. The king left behind a prince as heir, but his identity is formally revealed at the appropriate time according to tradition.
Enthronement rituals (Emirwa y’Obuhangwa)
When the new Omukama is installed:
• He is carried from his father’s house to Karuziika Palace
• At the palace gate (Mugabate), there is a mock battle between a “rebel” prince and the royal army
• The Omusuuga (head of royal clan) calls on the gods to strike him dead if he is not of royal blood – a test of divine right
• If he passes, he is allowed to sound the sacred Nyalebe drum, the Chwezi drum of his forefathers
• He is crowned at around 4 am and given his first meal as king – millet dough.
Tooro dropped the the old Bunyoro jaw-burial ritual in 1869.
So sad, so sad! We commiserate with you our dear brothers and sisters in Tooro for such huge lose! Prayers of comfort to the Royal family and all the Batooro.
Brevity and fragility of human life! RIP. Whatever he did during his short life on planet earth to improve lives of others should be appreciated.
The jaws of death have taken from us yet another useful leader of our suffering people .
RIP
Felt so sad for the death of the king,he was developmental and not only Toro kingdom but also national wide.
Amooti wange oyo. MHSRIP. I loved you even when I have never seen you. 😭😭😭😭😭
It’s sad. He was young. I pray for his peaceful report and a successful reign of his heir. Amen.
It’s sad. He was young. I pray for his peaceful repose and a successful reign of his heir. Amen.