Bunyoro-Kitara kingdom mourns demise of King Oyo
Byakutaaga expressed deep sorrow over the death of King Oyo and described him as a dedicated cultural leader whose contribution toward the development of the country will be remembered.
Bunyoro-Kitara Kingdom Prime Minister Andrew Byakutaaga. (Photo by Peter Abaanabasazi))
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The Bunyoro-Kitara Kingdom is mourning the passing of Omukama (King) Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru Rukindi IV of Toro, who passed away on Thursday (August 27) at a hospital in the United States.
Born on April 16, 1992, to the late King Patrick David Matthew Kaboyo Olimi III and Queen Mother Best Kemigisa, King Oyo ascended the throne on September 12, 1995, following his father's sudden death on August 26, 1995.
While addressing a press conference at his office in Hoima City, Bunyoro-Kitara Kingdom Prime Minister Andrew Byakutaaga expressed deep sorrow over the death of King Oyo and described him as a dedicated cultural leader whose contribution toward the development of the country will be remembered.
“Bunyoro-Kitara Kingdom receives with a profound and heavy heart the distressing news from across the Muzizi River. The thunder has struck the heart of the great Kingdom of Toro; the shield has fallen, and the revered monarch, Rukirabasaija Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru Rukidi IV, has passed on,” as he read the statement.
King Oyo left with Omukama of Bunyoro, Gafabusa Iguru (second left) at Karuzika Palace in Hoima City for the Empango celebration in 2019. (Courtesy photo)
He added that King Oyo Nyimba was a magnificent beacon of traditional leadership, dignity, and progress and champion of youth development, environmental conservation, sports and Agriculture.
"We extend our deepest, most heartfelt cultural condolences to Her Royal Highness the Queen Mother, Best Kemigisa, the Royal Family of Toro, the Omuhikirwa of Tooro, the Cabinet, the Clan Leaders, and all the beloved subjects of the Tooro Kingdom. We stand firmly shoulder-to-shoulder with you during this dark hour of overwhelming grief. In deep reverence of our strict ancestral customs, we assure the people of Toro that the spirit of brotherhood remains unbroken, and the continuity of the sacred throne of Toro is spiritually assured.
Fred Mugenyi Rucunya, the Okwiri (Chief Prince) of the ruling clan of the Bunyoro Kitara Kingdom, said that as Babito, the news about the death of King Oyo was shocking and disturbing.
He noted that Toro and Bunyoro are brothers, adding that Toro Kingdom originated from Bunyoro Kitara Kingdom in 1830, adding that anything good or bad that happens in Toro Kingdom affects Bunyoro Kitara Kingdom.
He called on the people of the kingdom to remain calm and united at this trying moment.
“This is what God has decided, when God decides you can not reverse it, so we are asking the people of Toro to remain calm and united, they should avoid divisionism, let them use reasoning and not emotions, the king has died but the kingdom has to continue to move forward” he said.