King Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru Rukidi IV of Tooro Kingdom is being laid to rest today, September 12, 2026, exactly 31 years after his coronation.
Oyo died on August 27 in the United States at the age of 34 after treatment for cancer. He became the world’s youngest reigning monarch when he ascended the Tooro throne at just three years old.
The nine-day official mourning period ended this morning, with his casket leaving Karuziika Palace and being taken to St John’s Cathedral in Fort Portal for the funeral service.
Archbishop Stephen Kaziimba Mugalu is leading the service, with Deputy Speaker Thomas Tayebwa representing President Yoweri Museveni.
The service features Christian prayers alongside references to Tooro tradition, with calls for unity amid the ongoing succession dispute.
After the service, mourners are expected to accompany the coffin on a roughly six-kilometre procession to the Karambi Royal Tombs, where Oyo will be buried alongside previous Tooro monarchs, including his father.
A gun salute will form part of the official send-off, while traditional rites will also be conducted at the tombs. Tooro custom requires kings to be buried during daylight hours, with Oyo’s burial scheduled between 1pm and 2pm.
The burial has attracted thousands of mourners, royal leaders and government officials, with security heavily tightened across Fort Portal.
Watch the Live event:
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