Staff
Ugandan songbird Juliana Kanyomozi is mourning the death of her cousin, King Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru Rukidi IV, the late Omukama of Tooro, following his death on Thursday, August 27, 2026.
King Oyo died at approximately 10:00 p.m. at the age of 34, bringing an end to a remarkable reign that lasted nearly 31 years. His death was confirmed by Tooro Kingdom Prime Minister Calvin Armstrong Rwomiire Akiiki, who described the loss as immeasurable to the royal family, Tooro and Uganda.
Juliana, a member of the Tooro royal family and first cousin to the late monarch, is among the relatives mourning the sudden loss.
Oyo became Omukama in 1995 at just three years old, following the death of his father, and grew into one of Uganda’s most recognised traditional leaders and an important symbol of Tooro’s cultural identity.
His death has triggered an outpouring of grief from the royal family, kingdom subjects and Ugandans, with tributes continuing to pour in.
Meanwhile, the Tooro Kingdom has assured the Abatooro that the monarchy will continue, revealing that King Oyo left behind a Prince who is expected to be formally unveiled as his heir in accordance with Tooro traditions.
As the kingdom begins the difficult process of mourning its fallen monarch, attention now turns to his final send-off and the transition to the next chapter of the Tooro monarchy.
Enkuba etutiire!! It is a very dark day for Tooro Kingdom 💔💔💔💔
Rest in peace Your Majesty Omukama of Tooro, King Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru Rukidi IV.
Gone too soon. What a loss!!!! pic.twitter.com/NeSLzRV7j2— JULIANA KANYOMOZI (@JKanyomozi) August 28, 2026
