The Queen Mother of Tooro, Best Kemigisa, has recognised businessman Sudhir Ruparelia for Sponsoring the education and wellbeing of her late son, King Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru Rukidi IV.
Speaking during the burial service for the late King at St John’s Cathedral in Fort Portal on Friday, Ms Kemigisa said Dr Ruparelia was among the people who supported Oyo during his formative years.
She said the businessman contributed towards the late King’s education, particularly during his high school years, and continued to support some of his personal interests as he grew into adulthood.
“Dr Sudhir Ruparelia is among those who educated my son in high school,” the Queen Mother said.
According to Ms Kemigisa, Dr Ruparelia’s support extended beyond education. She said he also encouraged Oyo’s interest in physical fitness by allowing him free access to gym facilities at Speke Resort Munyonyo, a hotel owned by the Ruparelia Group.
She further described the businessman as someone who guided and encouraged her son during his youth.
Remembering King Oyo
The remarks came as the Tooro Kingdom gathered to pay its final respects to King Oyo, who died after years on the throne that began when he was a child.
The burial service at St John’s Cathedral brought together members of the royal family, Tooro Kingdom officials, government representatives, cultural leaders and mourners from across the country.
Ms Kemigisa’s tribute highlighted the role played by people outside the royal household in supporting the late King as he grew from a child monarch into an adult cultural leader.
King Oyo ascended the Tooro throne as a child and spent much of his early reign under the guidance of regents and senior members of the kingdom before gradually assuming greater responsibilities.
His death has prompted widespread mourning in Tooro and renewed reflection on his long reign and contribution to the cultural institution.
Following the funeral service, the late King’s remains are expected to be laid to rest at the Karambi Royal Tombs alongside his predecessors.
For the Queen Mother, the support Oyo received from people such as Dr Ruparelia remains part of the personal story behind the late monarch’s public life and legacy.