Prince Mugenyi: King Oyo's uncle dies at 69

DEATH

Prince Jimmy Mugenyi the uncle of King Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru Rukiidi IV has died.

Mugenyi, 69, was the fourth son of the late King of Toro Sir George Rukidi III.

He is said to have succumbed to hypertension on Wednesday afternoon at his sister's home in Buziga, Kampala. Mugenyi is survived by two children.

He had been living in London with his family but returned to Uganda last year.

Mugenyi was key in the upbringing and nurturing of King Oyo when he had just been crowned King aged three following the death of his father Patrick Olimi Kaboyo.

Vincent Mugume the deputy information minister, revealed that the Kingdom is saddened by the demise of Mugenyi.

"We are saddened by the death of Prince Jimmy. The whole Kingdom is mourning. We are yet to communicate the burial arrangements," Mugume said.

According to Toro customs, if Kaboyo had not fathered a boy, it was Prince Mugenyi who would have been crowned King.

Mugenyi's home is located at Mucwa in South Division, Fort Portal Municipality.

Mugenyi's death comes at a time when the kingdom is preparing for the 21st coronation anniversary of King Oyo.