Several leaders and people from different walks of life have described the death of Omukama Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru Rukidi IV as a major loss to Tooro, saying his death has left a significant gap in the kingdom.
Former Ntoroko County MP Rwemulikya Ibanda said he had known the late king since he ascended the throne at the age of three.
Ibanda said Omukama Oyo made contributions to several areas, including healthcare, sports, tourism and education.
“I have known the late king since he acquired the throne at the age of three. He has been a pillar in the field of health, embracing blood donation activities and promoting sports through the Masaza tournament in Tooro,” Ibanda said.
He added that the king also promoted tourism and education, describing him as a leader who had served his people throughout his reign.
Persis Rutuku Ateenyi Kabahenda, a member of the royal family, said the death had been a difficult moment for the family and the people of Tooro.
She said her father had been responsible for looking after the Karambi Royal Tombs in Fort Portal, which are an important cultural site for the Tooro royal family.
The Karambi Tombs are the burial place of several former Tooro kings and are among the kingdom’s important cultural heritage sites.
“We first of all accept God’s plan. All we have to do is pray for his soul to rest well, as well as for his mother and sister Kamuntare,” Kabahenda said.
Government officials have also joined the growing number of mourners paying tribute to the late king.
Pius Bigirimana, the permanent secretary in the Ministry of Justice, described Omukama Oyo as a visionary leader whose death had affected the country beyond the borders of Tooro.
“We have lost a visionary leader. As Bafumbira and Batooro, we are very close,” Bigirimana said.
He said the loss was also personal to his family, explaining that his wife is related to the late king’s mother.
“My wife is a sister to the mother of King Oyo, meaning that as a country we have all lost,” he said.
At the Kampala Capital City Authority, the speaker, Ssebufu John Mary, conveyed condolences on behalf of councillors and described the late king as a strong leader who brought people together and helped groom other leaders.
“We stand here in solidarity, without any political differences, to mourn a leader and a king,” Ssebufu said.
He said the council recognised Omukama Oyo’s contribution to the promotion of tourism and other development initiatives in Uganda.
Oyo died at the age of 34, bringing an end to a reign that began when he was only three years old following the death of his father, Omukama Patrick Matthew Kaboyo Olimi III.
