King Oyo’s body received at Entebbe airport

4 September 2026, 8:41 pm

By Ronald Ssemagonja

Dignitaries led by President Yoweri Museveni have today received the body of Rukirabasaija Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru Rukidi IV, the King of Tooro Kingdom, at Entebbe International Airport in Wakiso District.

King Oyo died last week at the age of 34, having led Tooro Kingdom for 31 years. He ascended to the throne in 1995 following the death of his father, Prince Patrick Kaboyo.

The aircraft carrying the late King’s body arrived at exactly 12:00 noon at the VIP terminal, where a solemn reception ceremony was held. The ceremony was attended by members of the royal family, led by the Queen Mother, Best Kemigisa, as well as government officials and other dignitaries.

President Museveni conveyed his condolences to the people of Tooro Kingdom and Uganda at large, describing King Oyo as a young man whom the country had watched grow into a leader.

“Sorry for the loss of the grandchild, King Oyo. We looked after him, we took him to school, and he grew up, but now the Lord has taken him,” Museveni said.

The President also commended King Oyo for supporting government efforts to fight poverty through various development initiatives.

According to the programme released by the government and Tooro Kingdom, the late King will be laid to rest on 12th September 2026, following nine days of official mourning that began today.

During the mourning period, prayers and other cultural activities will be held, while members of the public will be allowed to pay their last respects to the late King.

Since the announcement of his death, mourners have gathered at the palace to pay tribute, while cultural rituals have also been conducted in accordance with Tooro traditions.

Security agencies have meanwhile warned members of the public against breaking the law during the mourning period, saying anyone found engaging in unlawful activities will be dealt with accordingly.

Hon. Edward Kikabi is among the leaders who have conveyed condolences to the people of Tooro Kingdom. He has urged them to remain calm, united and peaceful during this difficult period.

However, disagreements have emerged within the kingdom over the issue of succession. Some people questioned whether the late King had left a child who would inherit the throne.

In his first message following the King’s death, President Museveni said the Queen Mother had briefed him that King Oyo had left behind a boy child who would be the heir to the Tooro throne.