Uganda’s world-record youngest monarch, King Oyo is dead

King Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru Rukidi IV of Uganda’s Tooro Kingdom, who gained international recognition after ascending the throne at just three years old, has died at the age of 34.

The monarch died at about 10 pm local time on Thursday, according to Calvin Armstrong Rwomiire Akiiki, Prime Minister of the Tooro Kingdom, who announced his death in a post on X.

“It is with profound sadness and a heavy heart that I announce the passing of His Majesty the Omukama of Tooro, King Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru Rukidi IV,” Akiiki said.

No official cause of death had been disclosed at the time of the announcement.

Oyo became the king of Tooro on September 12, 1995, following the death of his father, Rukirabasaija Patrick David Matthew Kaboyo Olimi III.

His accession to the throne at the age of three made him the world’s youngest reigning monarch at the time and brought international attention to the Tooro Kingdom, located in western Uganda near the border with the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

Tooro is among Uganda’s traditional kingdoms restored under the country’s republican system. While the kingdoms do not exercise formal political authority, they continue to play important cultural and social roles.

Before the announcement of the king’s death, Ugandan government minister Balaam Barugahara had disclosed that Oyo was receiving medical treatment in the United States.

Akiiki described the monarch’s death as “an immeasurable loss” but said the kingdom’s succession remained secure, noting that the late king had left an heir.

Oyo, who was unmarried, remained a prominent cultural figure in Uganda throughout his reign and was widely recognised for his role in preserving and promoting the traditions of the Tooro people.

News of his death triggered an outpouring of grief across Uganda, with political leaders, public figures and citizens expressing condolences to the royal family and the people of Tooro.

Uganda’s prominent opposition figure and musician, Bobi Wine, also mourned the monarch.

“Most devastating news! May His Majesty the King’s soul rest in eternal peace,” he wrote in a post on X.