The Empango crusade King Oyo planned but never lived to see

KAMPALA - A sombre silence settled over Buziga Palace in Makindye Division on Sunday (August 30) as mourners gathered to grieve the death of Tooro’s King Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru Rukidi IV.

The mood at the palace was calm but heavy. Those arriving appeared visibly shaken, with grief written across their faces as they made their way into the service.

Inside, the atmosphere became even more emotional as young women and men led the congregation in worship. Their soft, melodious voices filled the palace compound with Runyakitara hymns, creating an atmosphere of prayer and mourning.

One of the songs repeatedly gave thanks to God for washing away sins from the soul. For mourners who understand the language, the words and the emotion behind them made it difficult to hold back tears.

It is against this backdrop that religious leaders have sought to comfort a grieving kingdom, urging mourners to draw strength from their faith.

Pastor Emmanuel Muwanguzi of Phaneroo Ministries said the moment calls for believers to seek strength and renewed energy from God as the kingdom navigates the loss of its young king.

He said there is hope beyond the grave and described King Oyo as a believer who had a deep interest in the Christian faith.

According to Muwanguzi, the king had been planning to incorporate a major gospel crusade into his Empango celebrations, which were expected to take place in September.

Mourners praying for the soul of the late King Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru Rukidi IV in Buziga. (Credit: Nickson Turyahikayo)

Apostle Grace Lubega of Phaneroo Ministries said the plan was more than just a religious activity. He said the King had wanted the celebrations to carry a strong gospel message and had asked him to work with him on the preparations.

Lubega described King Oyo as a voice for many people and particularly as a strong ambassador for young people around the world.

He said the king’s passion for the gospel became clear during their last conversation at the end of July, which lasted about 30 minutes. Lubega recalled that much of the discussion centred on God and the King’s desire to see young people develop a stronger relationship with him and God.

According to Lubega, King Oyo was passionate about ensuring that the younger generation knew God and was willing to use his influence to spread that message.
“Preparations for the planned Empango celebrations had already begun,” Lubega said.

He recalled that, just a week before the King’s death, he had met with the prime minister of Tooro kingdom to discuss logistics and how they would be delivered.
“Plans had also begun to bring together pastors from different parts of Uganda to participate in the celebrations,” he said.

The plans were abruptly cut short by the king’s death.

Lubega said the news reached him late Thursday evening while he was attending a church service. He described the moment as one that left him emotionally frozen, saying that although death is part of life, the loss of King Oyo felt different because of the impact the king had made.

Minister David Bahati signs the condolence book as he mourns King Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru. (Credit: Nickson Turyahikayo)

Lubega said the king’s age should not be the measure of his life, but what he has left done for Ugandans.

He argued that a person can live for many years without necessarily changing the lives of others, while someone who lives for a shorter time can leave behind an influence that lasts for generations.

He said King Oyo should therefore not be remembered simply for the years he lived, but for the dreams he carried, the people he touched and the legacy he has left behind.

Lubega described him as a big dreamer who believed that his position gave him an opportunity to serve and transform the lives of his people.

He said the late king used his voice and influence to push for change and to improve the quality of services delivered to his subjects, adding that his death has now left people across Tooro, Uganda and beyond the world.

Despite the grief, Lubega said the kingdom should not lose sight of the legacy King Oyo has left behind.

“I still believe God has a plan for Tooro Kingdom and the king’s death should not be interpreted as the end of the dreams he had for his people,” he said.

Instead, he added that the dreams should continue through those who were inspired by the King.

Lubega also expressed gratitude to God for enabling King Oyo to accomplish what he did during his reign.

“King Oyo was more than just another king of Tooro, describing him as a generational king whose influence extended beyond the boundaries of the kingdom,” he noted.

At Buziga Palace, the prayers continue.

The hymns rise gently above the silence, while mourners remain seated in reflection. Some wipe away tears. Others sit quietly, staring ahead as they try to absorb the reality of the loss.

The kingdom continues mourning a young king and the dreams he carried. The service has become more than a farewell.

Lubega said it is also a moment to remember the life, faith and ambitions of a leader whose plans for the future were brought to an abrupt.

Ronald Balimwezo, the lord mayor of Kampala city, said it was time to emulate the late king, who had left an enduring body of work.

He challenged parents to invest in their children if they are to become productive in life rather than becoming a problem to society.