KAMPALA — The body of Tooro King Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru Rukidi IV has returned to Uganda, marking the beginning of a nine-day mourning period in the kingdom following the death of the 34-year-old monarch.
President Yoweri Museveni led the country in paying his final respects to the fallen King at Entebbe International Airport, where the casket was received before being prepared for onward transportation to Kyegegwa District.
The King’s body is expected to be flown aboard a Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) helicopter to Humura Grounds in Kyegegwa, from where it will be taken in a procession to Karuziika Palace in Fort Portal City.
King Oyo died last Thursday in the United States, where he had been receiving further medical attention following a prolonged illness. He was 34.
The monarch’s body was flown from Nairobi to Entebbe aboard a 5Y-FAM aircraft before being transferred for the next stage of the journey to Tooro.
King Oyo ascended the throne on September 12, 1995, at the age of three, following the death of his father, King Patrick Matthew Kaboyo Olimi III, on August 26, 1995.
Because of his young age, a regency was established to administer the kingdom until he reached maturity. The late King went on to become one of Africa’s longest-serving monarchs.
The nine-day mourning period, which begins with the King’s return home, is expected to culminate on September 12, the anniversary of his coronation, when he will be laid to rest.
Tributes have continued to pour in from Tooro Kingdom, across Uganda and beyond, with the burial organising committee indicating that several African kings and other dignitaries are expected to attend the final ceremonies.
The death of King Oyo has prompted widespread mourning, with cultural, political and religious leaders paying tribute to his contribution to the Tooro Kingdom and his role in Uganda’s cultural landscape.