Parliament has paid tribute to the late Omukama of Tooro, Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru Rukidi IV, describing the fallen monarch as a symbol of unity, peace, cultural preservation and progressive leadership whose influence extended beyond the boundaries of Tooro Kingdom.
The tribute followed the moving of a Government motion by Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja seeking a resolution of Parliament to honour the late King, who died on August 27, 2026, aged 34. The motion was received by the Office of the Clerk to Parliament on September 2 and was moved under Rule 58 of the Rules of Procedure of Parliament.
Prime Minister Nabbanja moved the motion as Parliament proceeded to Motion Four on the Order Paper, with legislators paying tribute to the contribution of the young monarch to Tooro, Uganda’s cultural heritage and national development.
Speaker describes Oyo as “monarch for all seasons”
Speaker of Parliament Jacob Marksons Oboth Oboth had earlier assured the House that Parliament would accord the late Omukama a tribute befitting his stature and contribution to the country.
The Speaker also signed the condolence book in honour of King Oyo and described his death at only 34 as “deeply painful.”
The Speaker recognised a delegation from Tooro Kingdom seated in the VIP Gallery as Parliament prepared to debate the motion.
Oboth Oboth described Oyo as a distinguished leader and proud ambassador who championed youth empowerment, environmental conservation and tourism.
“King Oyo transformed a childhood crown into a lifetime of visionary and modern leadership, serving as a pillar of unity and peace, not just for Tooro, but across the entire country. King Oyo was a monarch for all seasons,” Speaker Oboth Oboth said.
Born into the throne at three
The motion records that King Oyo was born on April 16, 1992, and ascended the throne on September 12, 1995, at the age of three following the death of his father, Omukama Patrick David Matthew Kaboyo Olimi III.
His enthronement made him one of the world’s youngest reigning monarchs, a distinction recognised by the Guinness World Records.
Because of his young age, the administration of Tooro Kingdom was initially conducted under a regency. The arrangement continued until April 2010, when Oyo attained adulthood and assumed full administration of the Kingdom.
His journey from a child monarch to an adult King became one of the defining features of his reign, as he gradually took responsibility for an institution deeply rooted in the history and cultural identity of the people of Tooro.
Nabbanja recalls Oyo’s faith
Prime Minister Nabbanja used her tribute to reflect on the King’s personal faith and his outlook on life.
Quoting the late Omukama, she said: “I thank God for my life. Just living every day is a testimony of its own, how powerful God is. I love God with all my heart, and I continue to serve Him, both in private and in public. And He has been a strong pillar in my life.”
The Prime Minister also thanked President Yoweri Museveni for his relationship with the late King, particularly during Oyo’s childhood.
Ms Nabbanja noted that President Museveni was one of the three regents who helped guide the young monarch and provided him with protective and parental care throughout his life.
Opposition praises Oyo’s balancing act
The Acting Leader of the Opposition, Patrick Nsamba Oshabe, who represents Kassanda County North, delivered a tribute on behalf of Leader of the Opposition Joel Ssenyonyi.
Mr Nsamba said Oyo successfully balanced the responsibility of protecting Tooro’s history with the need to prepare its people for the future.
“Heritage and development were never rivals in his hands. He kept one hand on the Kingdom’s past and the other on its future,” he said.
He said the late Omukama used his reign to preserve Tooro’s heritage while championing health, development and opportunities for his people.
The Opposition tribute portrayed Oyo as a leader who understood that cultural institutions could contribute to development while retaining their traditional identity.
Tooro delegation follows proceedings
The parliamentary tribute was attended by a delegation from Tooro Kingdom, which was recognised by Speaker Oboth Oboth and seated in the VIP Gallery.
Their presence added a solemn dimension to the proceedings as MPs debated a motion formally recognising the contribution of the late monarch.
The motion describes Oyo as a symbol of unity, continuity and cultural identity for the people of Tooro. His reign, which began when he was only three, covered more than three decades and saw him grow into one of Uganda’s most prominent cultural leaders.
King championed tourism and conservation
Parliament also recognised Oyo’s contribution to environmental conservation and tourism.
Tooro is endowed with significant natural and cultural attractions, including the Rwenzori Mountains, crater lakes, forests and historical sites. Through his public role, Oyo promoted the preservation of Tooro’s cultural identity while supporting initiatives aimed at positioning the region as a tourism destination.
His advocacy for youth empowerment also reflected his position as a young monarch who came of age in an era in which Uganda’s youthful population increasingly demanded greater opportunities in education, employment and entrepreneurship.
Body Expected At Entebbe Friday
The parliamentary tribute comes as preparations intensify for the return of the late King’s body and his final rites.
The body of King Oyo is expected to arrive at Entebbe International Airport on Friday, at 10am. Minister for the Presidency Milly Babalanda confirmed the arrival arrangements.
The return of the body is expected to bring together government officials, members of the royal family, Tooro Kingdom leaders, cultural leaders and members of the public who will gather to pay their final respects.
The national mourning arrangements will run alongside traditional ceremonies organised by Tooro Kingdom.
Parliament records Oyo’s legacy
For Parliament, the tribute provides an opportunity to place on record the contribution of a monarch whose life was closely intertwined with the history of modern Uganda.
Oyo inherited the throne at an age when he could not fully understand the weight of the institution. His childhood was therefore spent under the guidance of regents before he eventually assumed full responsibility for the Kingdom.
By the time he took over the administration of Tooro in 2010, he was a young adult faced with the challenge of preserving an ancient cultural institution while making it relevant to a changing society.
Parliament’s tribute recognises this transition, portraying him not merely as a traditional ruler but as a national figure who used his position to promote causes affecting young people and communities.
His death at 34 has therefore been received as the loss of a young leader whose reign still had considerable room for growth.
As Parliament debates and adopts the motion, the words entered into the parliamentary record will form part of the country’s official remembrance of King Oyo.
For the people of Tooro, the tribute comes as preparations intensify to receive the remains of a King who occupied the throne for more than three decades.
For Uganda, it is a final parliamentary recognition of a young monarch who grew from the world’s youngest reigning king into what Speaker Oboth Oboth described as “a monarch for all seasons.”
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