By Sylvia
The Fort Portal Catholic Diocese has hailed the late Omukama of Tooro, King Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru Rukidi IV, for what it described as a devoted, prayerful and God-fearing life.
The tribute was made during a requiem Mass held at Karuziika Palace in Fort Portal City to celebrate the life of the fallen monarch.
The Mass was led by the Virika Parish Priest, Rev. Fr. Titus Winyi Abwooli, who used his homily to reflect on the late King’s relationship with God.
Rev. Fr. Winyi said King Oyo lived a religious life and had accepted Jesus Christ as his personal Saviour, describing this as a sign that the late monarch had prepared himself spiritually for death.
Materialistic society
The priest, however, expressed concern over what he described as an increasingly materialistic society, where some people focus heavily on money, property, political power and other earthly possessions at the expense of their relationship with God.
He warned that excessive pursuit of material wealth can distance people from God and lead them into ungodly actions.
Rev. Fr. Winyi reminded mourners that death is inevitable, urging them to reflect on how they use their lives while they are still alive.
King Oyo died last week in the United States of America, where he had travelled to seek medical treatment.
His remains are expected to be repatriated to Uganda on Thursday as preparations for his official send-off continue.