Subjects of the Tooro Kingdom have gathered at Karuzika Royal Palace in Fort Portal Tourism City following the death of King Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru Rukidi IV.
When our reporter visited the palace this morning, the gates were closed and guarded by UPDF soldiers, with only close relatives being allowed to enter. Residents who gathered outside the palace expressed shock and sadness over the death of the 34-year-old monarch.
Shaban Mwesige Ateenyi was visibly emotional as he described the death of the King as a deeply painful moment. He said that when he first received news of the King’s death, he dismissed it as a rumour circulating on social media, but was devastated when the news was confirmed.
Christopher Nyakaana said the people of Tooro are in deep sorrow, adding that the news came as a surprise because many subjects were unaware that the King had been unwell.
“This came as a surprise because we didn’t know that our King was sick! It’s absurd,” Nyakaana said. However, he called on the people of Tooro to remain strong, saying King Oyo’s legacy will live on because he left an heir.
Gorreti Nyakaisiki described King Oyo as a friendly monarch who supported sports and promoted various talents, particularly among young people in the kingdom.
Zebidayo Mwesige, a former Minister of Culture in the Tooro Kingdom, described the King’s death as heartbreaking. Mwesige said the kingdom is currently gripped by grief, with mourning taking place across households.
He acknowledged concerns from some subjects who have questioned why they were not informed earlier about the King’s health, but said the monarch’s health was a private matter.
Mwesige said the kingdom will observe nine days of mourning, during which various cultural rituals will be conducted at the palace ahead of the King’s burial. He added that subjects across the kingdom will also be expected to observe the mourning period through practices such as fasting.
Omukama Oyo died on Thursday at the age of 34 while receiving medical treatment in the United States. His death came as the kingdom was preparing to celebrate his 31st coronation anniversary, which had been scheduled for September 12.