King Oyo's passing plunges sports community into mourning

The Ugandan motorsport and rugby fraternities have been plunged into deep mourning following the tragic passing of the King of Tooro Kingdom, His Majesty Omukama Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru Rukidi IV.

The revered 34-year-old monarch passed away on Thursday evening at approximately 10:00 p.m., leaving behind an immeasurable loss felt across the Royal Family, the people of Tooro, and the entire nation of Uganda.

FMU General Secretary Reynold Kibira (left, in red) briefs the King of Tooro Kingdom about motorsport as journalist Stuart Kimera looks on. Photo: Johnson Were

Beyond his profound cultural leadership, King Oyo was a passionate, hands-on pillar of Ugandan sports development. His unwavering commitment to the sports fraternity was highlighted by a visionary promise to allocate prime kingdom land to support the establishment of permanent, modern sports infrastructure.

The Omukama's deep affection for motorsport was legendary. He famously crossed over into active participation when he stepped into the cockpit to navigate for veteran national rally driver Ronald Ssebuguzi during a high-octane power stage of the UMC Fort Portal Rally at the Kyakaigo Sports Arena.

Ronald Ssebuguzi's navigator, Anthony Mugambwa, helps King Oyo put on his helmet before a drive with Ssebuguzi during the UMC Fort Portal Rally. Photo: Johnson Were

The Federation of Motorsport Clubs of Uganda secretary, Rynold Kibira, noted that the passing of His Majesty Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru IV is not only a loss to the people of Tooro, but also to all the institutions and communities that benefited from his good leadership.

"We particularly remember His Majesty's presence at our National Rally event in Fort Portal in 2024. His decision to grace the event was a strong demonstration of his support for sport, youth, and initiatives that brought people together while promoting Tooro to the wider country," Kibira said.

Tooro has produced top rally drivers and motocross racers, including National Rally champion Byron Rugomoka and Larry Ssekamwa.

His sporting patronage extended significantly into rugby. After hosting and motivating the senior men's national rugby sevens team, the King pledged land to build a dedicated rugby training facility. He was also a champion of grassroots rugby in the region, offering vital patronage to the Tooro Lions Rugby Club to bolster talent identification outside Kampala.

King Oyo in the navigating seat alongside Ronald Ssebuguzi. Photo: Johnson Were

The Uganda Rugby Union is also grieving together with the Tooro subjects for the loss of their King.

President Godwin Kayangwe described the King as "a very supportive leader who hosted both the leadership and National Rugby Cranes 7s team on several occasions." He also pledged to help the development of rugby in the Tooro region and hosted the Tooro Rugby 7s.

Tooro has produced top rugby players, including Uganda Rugby Union vice president Eric Butime, who also lauded the King for his love for the transformation and empowerment of the youth through sports.

The sports community joins the rest of the nation in sending condolences to the Queen Mother, the Royal Family, and the subjects of Tooro Kingdom.

Hangiriza Agutamba. Omukama Atulize. Enkuba Etutire.