Rwenzururu Kingdom mourns King Oyo
The condolence message, issued shortly after the monarch's death, carries added significance given the historical tensions between the Tooro Kingdom and the Rwenzururu cultural institution dating back to the emergence of Rwenzururu from Tooro in the 1960s.
Obusinga Bwa Rwenzururu (OBR) prime minister Benson Kule Baritazale conveyed condolences on behalf of Omusinga Charles Wesley Mumbere Irema-Ngoma, the royal family and the kingdom cabinet. (Photo by Samuel Amanyire)
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The Obusinga Bwa Rwenzururu (OBR) has paid tribute to the late Tooro King Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru Rukidi IV, praising his commitment to preserving culture and promoting the relevance of cultural institutions.
The condolence message, issued shortly after the monarch's death, carries added significance given the historical tensions between the Tooro Kingdom and the Rwenzururu cultural institution dating back to the emergence of Rwenzururu from Tooro in the 1960s.
Speaking to New Vision Online on August 28, 2026, at the OBR liaison office on Mukirania Street in Kasese municipality, kingdom premier Benson Kule Baritazale conveyed condolences on behalf of Omusinga Charles Wesley Mumbere Irema-Ngoma, the royal family and the kingdom cabinet.
"On behalf of His Majesty Omusinga Charles Wesley Mumbere Irema-Ngoma, the royal family and the cabinet, we convey our heartfelt condolences to the royal family of Tooro and the wider community of its subjects," Baritazale said.
He described Oyo as a cultural leader who worked to preserve heritage while advancing the dignity and relevance of traditional institutions.
Relations between the two institutions have historically been strained, largely because of the circumstances under which the Rwenzururu movement emerged from the former Tooro Kingdom. The disagreements at one time escalated into conflict before subsequent interventions by various stakeholders, including the Government, helped restore calm.
Remembering Oyo's visit to Kasese
Baritazale's tribute echoed memories of Oyo's engagement with communities in the Rwenzori region, where he promoted environmental conservation, tourism and local economic development.
One of the King's most notable visits to Kasese was in August 2022 when he successfully summited the 5,109-metre Margherita Peak during a 10-day Rwenzori Royal Expedition aimed at raising awareness about climate change and the rapid melting of glaciers on the Rwenzori Mountains.
Upon completing the expedition, Oyo urged Government and other stakeholders to improve infrastructure in the mountains, including boardwalks and ladders, to enhance climbers' safety.
According to Enosi Muhindo, a resident of Ibanda village who attended the King's engagement with the community, Oyo also called for the deployment of skilled rescue teams and first-aid services in the mountains.
Speaking during the recent pass-out of more than 1,000 people trained to provide services to visitors, Rwenzori Mountains National Park Chief Warden George Busingye said boardwalks and other critical infrastructure had been installed across boggy valleys and steep sections of the mountains.
He said visitor numbers rose from 7,703 in the 2023/24 financial year to 10,483 in 2024/25.
"For instance, at Bukuku, John Matte, Rubango and Rukenga valleys, 200, 100 and 300 metres respectively were worked on," Busingye said.
Residents who interacted with Oyo during the expedition also recalled his encouragement to communities along the tourism route to take advantage of opportunities created by increasing visitor numbers.
Erick Mwesige said the King urged locals to invest in agriculture, hospitality and accommodation facilities to benefit from tourism-related business.
"He encouraged us to grow more food crops and fruits and rear poultry and other livestock. He also advised those with enough resources and land to construct quality hotels and guest houses," Mwesige said.