The Buganda Kingdom has officially sent a condolence message to the people of Tooro following the death of His Majesty Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru Rukidi IV, the King of Tooro.

The Tooro Kingdom announced the death of Omukama Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru Rukidi IV at about 10:00 p.m. on Thursday, hours after the palace dismissed social media reports of his purported death and confirmed that the monarch was in critical condition.

King Oyo died at the age of 34, having served as Omukama of Tooro for nearly three decades.

Speaking to the press Friday morning at Bulange Mengo, the Katikiro of Buganda, Charles Peter Mayiga, said he immediately informed His Majesty Ronald Muwenda Mutebi II about the death.

Mayiga said Kabaka Mutebi was shocked and deeply saddened by the passing of his young brother.

He described the relationship between Buganda and Tooro as strong, noting that since King Oyo ascended to the throne at a young age, Kabaka Mutebi had played a role as one of his guardians.

According to Mayiga, the two royal institutions maintained close relations and worked together on matters concerning the welfare of their people.

“The relationship between Buganda and Tooro has always been strong,” Mayiga said, adding that the two kingdoms had shared plans and worked together for the good of their subjects.

Mayiga described King Oyo’s death as a major loss to Tooro, Uganda and the preservation of the kingdom’s heritage.

He said the young monarch had many plans aimed at sustaining Tooro’s cultural heritage and improving the well-being of the Tooro people.

“This is a big loss not only to Tooro but also to Uganda,” Mayiga said.

The Katikiro urged the people of Tooro to remain united and calm as the kingdom prepares for the funeral and other traditional rituals following the King’s death.

He said Buganda stands with the people of Tooro during the period of mourning.

By Olivia Nabaggala