THE LION OF TOORO GOES TO REST. KING OYO NYIMBA KABAMBA IGURU DIES AT 34.

By Meddy Walusimbi Omuyiribi/ Friday, 28th August, 2026.

Kampala- Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru, the omukama of Tooro passed on yesterday night at 10pm at Texas hospital where he has been undergoing treatment for over a month, according to Calvin Amstrong Rwomiire Akiiki , the prime minister of the Tooro kingdom. King Oyo died at 34 years of age.
King Oyo was born on the 16th of April 1992, to the late King Patrick David Mathiew Kaboyo Olimi III and Queen mother Best Kemigisha, ascended to the crown in 1995 after the passing of his father King Patrick Kaboyo David Mathiew at the age of 50years.

The announcement came just hours after the kingdom had confirmed that the 34 year old monarch was in critical condition and was receiving specialised treatment from the United States of America. Cabinet Minister for Local government Hon. Balam Barugahare had earlier confirmed that the king was critically ill in the USA.

On 17th April 2010, King Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru Rukidi IV turned 18, marking a major milestone in his reign. Having ascended the throne at just three years old in 1995, he had ruled under the guidance of regents for 15 years.

During the Empango celebrations marking his 15th coronation anniversary, the regency came to an end, and King Oyo formally assumed full operational control of the affairs of the Tooro Kingdom.

” 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. This is an immeasurable loss to the Royal Family, the people of Tooro and the nation of Uganda.

Omukama Atulize. Enkuba Etutire.

I call upon the people of Tooro to remain united, calm and prayerful during this difficult time. 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. An official statement will follow with further details, including the funeral and mourning arrangements. May His Majesty the King rest in eternal peace.”

In his tweet, Calvin Amstrong, the Prime Minister of Toro kingdom declared the news to the world.

Among those that sent in their condolences to the Toro kingdom was;

Hon. Nabbanja the prime minister of Uganda, who was saddened by the news which she later confirmed from the Premier of Toro that indeed the King had passed on. Earlier, Calvin Amstrong, the Toro kingdom Premier had mentioned that the king Oyo was in critical condition and needed to be put in prayers. He later declared his death at 10pm Ugandan time. Nabbanja promised a condolence message from the Fountain of Honour General Yower Kaguta Museveni, the president of Uganda, which shall be officially sent to the Toro kingdom.

The Katikkiro of Buganda, Charles Peter Mayiga; “The death of oyo is so saddening, the kabaka of Buganda Ronald Muwenda Mutebi was one of his God fathers, he called on for unity from the people of Toro”

Magret Muhanga, state minister for lands and and urban development and also the woman mp for fortportal, mentioned that indeed, the king of Toro loved his people and losing him at such a tender age was a great loss to the nation.

Joel ssenyonyi, the leader of opposition in the ugandan parliament parliament stated that he was so shocked by the death of the Toro king at an early age. He sent his condolences to the people of Toro

Oyo has been key in fighting for preservation of nature and also encourage his people to grow coffee and cocoa.

Details of his burial shall follow later on, “May His soul rest in eternal peace”