The body of Omukama Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru Rukidi IV, the late King of Tooro, has returned to Uganda ahead of his burial on September 12, 2026. The body arrived at Entebbe International Airport on September 4 and was received by President Yoweri Museveni and other dignitaries.
King Oyo died in the United States on August 27 at the age of 34 after battling cancer. He became King in 1995 at just three years old, making him the world’s youngest monarch at the time.
His death has triggered widespread mourning across Tooro and Uganda. The Kind remained an important cultural figure despite Uganda operating as a constitutional republic.
He was also involved in international advocacy and served as a United Nations ambassador focusing on HIV and AIDS awareness.
Tooro Kingdom has begun preparations for the burial, while 7leaders, cultural institutions and members of the public continue paying tribute to the late monarch.
Parliament has also described Oyo as a developmental monarch who represented unity, cultural identity and continuity in Tooro.
From Entebbe, the body was transported by helicopter to Kyegegwa, where large numbers of mourners gathered to receive their King. The remains were then transported towards Fort portal and the Karuziika Palace, the official residence of the Tooro Monarch.
The journey has attracted significant public attention, with people expected to line the roads to bid farewell to the King. Authorities have also deployed security personnel to manage crowds and maintain order along the route.
The arrival of King Oyo’s body at Karuziika marks the beginning of the nine-day mourning period according to the cultural arrangements.
The body will lie in state at the palace from 4 September to 12 September, giving members of the public, cultural leaders, government officials and visiting delegations an opportunity to pay their final respect.
The government has taken a leading role in organizing the funeral. According to the Uganda Media Centre, the government is covering major expenses connected to the funeral, including the repatriation of the King’s remains, logistics, security and other arrangements.
One of the most significant aspects of King Oyo’s funeral is the date chosen for his burial.
The late King will be buried on 12 September 2026, exactly 31 years after he was crowned King of Tooro.
Oyo was crowned on 12 September 1995 at the age of three. What would normally have been a day of celebrating his coronation anniversary will instead become a day of mourning and remembrance.
According to the announced programme, mourners attending the final church service at St. John‘s Cathedral are expected to be seated before 8:00 a.m. The service will begin at 9:00 a.m. and is expected to end around noon.
The funeral procession will then proceed to Karambi Royal Tombs, where the King will be laid to rest. Burial is expected to be completed by approximately 2:00p.m., in keeping with Tooro cultural traditions that kings are buried the afternoon rather than at night.
As the nine-day mourning, Ugandans and all the Batooro are expected to go the Karuziika to continue with the final ceremonies