Oyo laid to rest as Tooro urged to remain united

13 September 2026, 10:15 am

By Ronald Ssemagonja

The late Omukama of Tooro Kingdom, Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru Rukidi IV, has been laid to rest in Tooro Kingdom.

The burial was attended by invited guests, while the majority of mourners followed the proceedings on giant screens set up at various locations.

President Yoweri Museveni, represented by Deputy Speaker of Parliament Rt. Hon. Thomas Tayebwa, urged the people of Tooro to remain united and resolve the issue of succession peacefully.

Before the burial, a requiem mass was presided over by the Archbishop of the Church of Uganda, His Grace Samuel Kazimba Mugalu.

In his sermon, Archbishop Kazimba encouraged Christians to reflect on life after death and live righteous lives in preparation for meeting God.

The Queen Mother, Best Kemigisa, thanked the people of Tooro and others who have stood with the royal family since the death of the King was announced.

Meanwhile, the Omusuuga of Tooro Kingdom announced that the kingdom has a new King who will be enthroned soon.

The announcement comes amid an ongoing succession dispute after Prince Kijjanangoma Rukidi declined to take up the throne following his nomination by some elders in the kingdom.

The disagreement led the Queen Mother to seek court intervention, putting the succession process on hold.

In a message delivered by his brother, Prince Wasajja, the Kabaka of Buganda, Ronald Muwenda Mutebi II, described the late Oyo as a developmental King and called on the people of Tooro to remain united.

Engineer Sebiranda Masuudi also paid tribute to the late King, describing him as a young, knowledgeable and handsome monarch who touched many lives, particularly those of young people.

Masuudi urged the people of Tooro to accept Oyo’s death, saying there was no need for divisions at a time when the kingdom needs unity.

Oyo died at the age of 34. He ascended to the Tooro throne at the age of three following the death of his father, King Patrick Kaboyo.