King Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru Rukidi IV, the monarch of Uganda’s western Tooro Kingdom who gained international fame as the world’s youngest ruler when he took the throne in 1995, has died at the age of 34.
The King’s passing was officially confirmed by Tooro Kingdom Prime Minister Calvin Armstrong Rwomiire Akiiki in a statement released to the press. Prime Minister Rwomiire said the monarch died late on Thursday evening in hospital after a period of critical illness.
King Oyo became the ruler of the ancient Ugandan kingdom at just three years old following the death of his father, Omukama Patrick Matthew Kaboyo Olimi III. A council of regents managed kingdom affairs until he turned 18 in 2010 and officially took over his executive duties.
Speaking to the nation, Rwomiire sought to reassure the public and Tooro subjects about the stability of the monarchy. He confirmed that King Oyo leaves behind a young Prince as his heir, adding that specific details regarding official mourning, funeral rites, and succession procedures will be released in line with traditional Tooro custom.
–Reuters/ChannelAfrica–
