Museveni Aide Faruk Kirunda Joins Nation in Mourning Tooro’s King Oyo: “Though Young, He Was Mature as a Leader”

Kampala — Special Presidential Assistant on Press and Mobilisation and Deputy Press Secretary Faruk Kirunda has joined the people of Tooro Kingdom and the wider Ugandan public in mourning the untimely death of Omukama Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru Rukidi IV, the traditional ruler of Tooro who passed away on Thursday night at the age of.

In a message posted on his official X account on Friday morning, Kirunda described the monarch’s death as a tragic loss and paid tribute to his leadership.

“Joining the people of Tooro and all Ugandans in mourning the untimely demise of Omukama Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru Rukidi IV. Though young, he has been mature as a leader. He has been very instrumental in uniting his people, promoting dev’t and wealth creation, and inspiring fellow youths to add value to their lives. Such a tragic loss! May his soul find eternal rest! FK,” Kirunda wrote.

King Oyo died at approximately 10:00 p.m. on Thursday, August 27, 2026, while receiving medical treatment in the United States. The announcement was made by Tooro Kingdom Prime Minister Calvin Armstrong Rwomiire Akiiki, who described the passing as an “immeasurable loss” to the royal family, the people of Tooro, and the nation of Uganda.

“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,” Rwomiire said in the official statement. He invoked traditional mourning phrases — “Omukama Atulize. Enkuba Etutire” — and urged the people of Tooro to remain united, calm, and prayerful. The kingdom confirmed that the continuity of the crown is assured, noting that the late king leaves behind a prince as his heir, whose identity will be revealed at the appropriate time in accordance with Tooro traditions.

The death came hours after the kingdom had confirmed that the monarch was in critical condition and appealed for prayers. Earlier in the day, social media reports of his death had circulated, which officials initially dismissed while acknowledging his serious illness. Local Government Minister Balaam Barugahara had also confirmed that King Oyo was receiving medical care in the United States and called for national prayers for his recovery.

Born on April 16, 1992, to the late Omukama Patrick David Matthew Kaboyo Olimi III and Queen Mother Best Kemigisa Akiiki, Oyo ascended the Tooro throne on September 12, 1995, at the age of three following his father’s death. He became one of the world’s youngest reigning monarchs and went on to rule for more than three decades, becoming a prominent cultural figure known for efforts to unite his people and promote development.

Kirunda’s tribute highlighted the late king’s role in fostering unity, advancing development and wealth creation initiatives, and serving as an inspiration to young people — themes that have resonated in public reflections on his relatively short but impactful reign.

Funeral and official mourning arrangements are expected to be announced by the Tooro Kingdom in due course. As Uganda absorbs the news of the young monarch’s death, tributes continue to pour in from political leaders, cultural figures, and ordinary citizens across the country.