King Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru Rukidi IV of Tooro Kingdom is being laid to rest today, September 12, 2026, exactly 31 years after he was crowned King.
Oyo died on August 27, 2026, in the United States at the age of 34 following treatment for cancer. He ascended the Tooro throne at just three years old, becoming the world’s youngest reigning monarch at the time.
The nine-day official mourning period ended this morning, with the late King’s casket leaving Karuziika Palace and being taken to St John’s Cathedral in Fort Portal for the funeral service.
The service is being led by Archbishop Stephen Kaziimba Mugalu, while Deputy Speaker Thomas Tayebwa is representing President Yoweri Museveni.
Christian prayers are being conducted alongside references to Tooro traditions, with messages of unity delivered as the Kingdom continues to face a succession dispute following Oyo’s death.
After the funeral service, mourners are expected to accompany the coffin on a roughly six-kilometre procession to the Karambi Royal Tombs, where King Oyo will be buried alongside previous Tooro monarchs, including his father.
A gun salute will form part of the official send-off, while traditional burial rites will also be conducted at the royal tombs.
According to Tooro custom, kings are buried during daylight hours, with King Oyo’s burial scheduled between 1pm and 2pm.
The funeral has attracted thousands of mourners, royal leaders and government officials, with security heavily tightened across Fort Portal as the Kingdom bids farewell to its longest-serving monarch.
Oyo’s death has also coincided with an ongoing dispute over his succession, with different positions emerging within the Tooro royal family and the Babiito clan over who should take over the throne.
