King Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru Rukidi IV, the long-serving monarch of Uganda’s Tooro Kingdom, has died at the age of 34, according to a statement from the kingdom.
The king reportedly died at approximately 10 p.m. on Thursday while receiving medical treatment in the United States. His death followed weeks of speculation about his deteriorating health, according to local media reports.
The announcement was made by the prime minister of the Tooro Kingdom, who expressed deep sadness over the death of the monarch.
“It is with profound sadness and a heavy heart that I announce the passing of His Majesty the Omukama of Tooro,” the statement said.
King Oyo became monarch at the age of three following the death of his father, who died of a heart attack in 1995. He remained on the throne throughout his childhood and was formally crowned after turning 18.
His accession to the throne at such a young age earned him international recognition. Guinness World Records recognised him as the world’s youngest reigning monarch.
Although Uganda is a republic led by President Yoweri Museveni, the country officially recognises traditional kingdoms. These institutions largely serve cultural and ceremonial roles and have limited political power.
King Oyo’s death marks the end of a remarkable reign that began when he was only a child. His leadership made him one of Uganda’s most recognisable traditional rulers and a prominent symbol of the Tooro Kingdom.
