By Sylvia
The Tooro Kingdom has this morning performed traditional rites as members of the Basita clan, commonly known as the Abajaguzi, formally announced the death locally referred to as “Okutuza” of His Royal Highness Dr. Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru Rukidi IV whose death was pronounced yesterday by the kingdom’s Prime Minister, Omuhikirwa Calvin Rwomiire Armstrong.
The Rituals
The rituals began with the Omusuga, Charles Kamurasi, head of the Babiito clan the kingdom’s royal clan opening the palace gate to allow the king’s subjects to enter.
The Omusuga then informed the Basita clan’s Omujaguzi of the king’s passing. Following this, members of the Basita clan, led by the Omujaguzi, proceeded to Akaswa hill to announce the death to the king’s subjects and fellow Babiito clan members, using traditional phrases such as “Omukama Atulize,” “Amata Gatikire,” and “Ekikali Kikingire.”
The royal drum, known as Butwarane, was also turned upside down a practice known as “kujumika engoma” symbolizing that the kingdom is currently without a king.
The Basita clan further announced that the kingdom will observe nine days of mourning starting today, during which several customs will be followed, including bringing food to the palace and abstaining from sexual relations.
Assured Continuity
Former Tooro Kingdom Cultural Minister, Mwesige Zebidayo, popularly known as Mukwikwi, has urged the people of Tooro to remain calm, noting that the king has left behind a successor. He explained that, according to tradition, the new king will be chosen by the Babiito clan, who will then inform the Basita clan. The Basita will subsequently relay the announcement to the entire kingdom.
King Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru Rukidi IV was the Omukama of Tooro Kingdom, who made history by ascending the throne at just three years old. Born on April 16, 1992, to King Patrick David Matthew Kaboyo Olimi III and Queen Best Kemigisa, he became king on September 12, 1995, following his father’s sudden death on August 26, 1995.
He was crowned at age three, earning a place in the Guinness Book of World Records as the world’s youngest reigning monarch.
King Oyo passed away on the night of August 27, 2026, at the age of 34, after nearly 31 years on the throne. The Tooro Kingdom Prime Minister has confirmed that the crown’s continuity is assured, as the king is survived by a prince who will succeed him.