Tooro King Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru Rukidi IV has died at the age of 34, bringing to an end a reign that began when he ascended the throne as a three-year-old child.
Tooro Kingdom Prime Minister Calvin Armstrong Rwomiire Akiiki announced that the monarch died at around 10 p.m. on Thursday.
Family sources had earlier told ChimpReports that King Oyo died in the United States, where he had reportedly been receiving treatment for cancer.
In a statement announcing his death, Rwomiire described the passing as a major loss to the Royal Family, the people of Tooro and Uganda.
He called on the people of Tooro to remain calm, united and prayerful as the kingdom begins preparations for the official mourning period and burial.
The Prime Minister also confirmed that King Oyo leaves behind a prince who is expected to inherit the throne.
He said the identity of the heir will be formally announced at the appropriate time, in accordance with the traditions and customs of Tooro Kingdom.
“The continuity of the Crown is assured,” Rwomiire said.
Further details regarding the repatriation of the King’s remains and burial arrangements are expected to be announced by the kingdom.
The death comes weeks after Tooro Kingdom dismissed reports that King Oyo was critically ill and receiving intensive medical care in the United States.
In a statement issued on August 3, the kingdom said the monarch was in good health and had travelled abroad for official engagements and further studies.
King Oyo became Omukama of Tooro at the age of three following the death of his father, King Patrick Matthew Kaboyo Olimi III. He subsequently became one of the world’s youngest reigning monarchs.