Georgian President, Mikheil Kavelashvili, has joined world leaders mourning the death of His Majesty King Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru Rukidi IV of Tooro, who died at the age of 34.
In a message posted on X, the Georgian President extended condolences to the late monarch’s family, the people of Tooro and Ugandans.
“I extend my sincere condolences on the passing of His Majesty King Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru Rukidi IV of Tooro. My heartfelt sympathies go to the Royal Family, the people of Tooro and the people of Uganda,” he said.
The condolence message comes as Uganda begins preparations to honour the late King, with President Yoweri Museveni directing that Oyo be accorded an official burial.
In a condolence message posted on X on Saturday, Museveni also directed that Uganda’s national flags be flown at half-mast for three days — the day before the burial, on the burial day and the day after.
Museveni revealed that the late King left behind a young son who will be introduced to the public as his heir at an appropriate time.
The President said the information was conveyed to him by Oyo’s mother, Her Royal Highness Best Kemigisa, the Nyinomukama of Tooro, who had earlier informed him that the King was battling an aggressive form of cancer.
According to Museveni, the government supported the Royal Family in seeking medical treatment for the King, first in Germany and later in the United States, where he died.
Museveni described Oyo’s death as a major loss to Tooro and Uganda, saying the young monarch had demonstrated potential to work with both the Central and Local Governments in advancing the development of the kingdom.
He also praised Oyo for working closely with the Central Government and for avoiding what he described as the misuse of restored cultural institutions to promote sectarianism.
Museveni urged other cultural leaders to maintain the same approach, saying cultural institutions should contribute to development and unity.
The President extended condolences on behalf of himself, First Lady Janet Museveni and the people of Uganda to the Royal Family and the people of Tooro.
Mourning the King’s early death, Museveni noted that Oyo had lost his parents at a young age and had himself died young.
“How unfair life can be! He was orphaned while still young, and he has died young,” Museveni said.
He concluded his message by praying for the late King’s eternal peace.