President Yoweri Museveni has expressed sorrow over the death of Tooro King Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru Rukidi IV, saying medical teams and the government had done everything possible to support his treatment.
Museveni received the monarch’s remains at Entebbe International Airport on Friday, September 4, 2026, after the 34-year-old king died following a battle with cancer.
The body arrived at the old airport terminal shortly after midday aboard a chartered Embraer 120 RT operated by Freedom Airline Express, a carrier based in Nairobi.
At the ceremony, Museveni placed a wreath on the casket, bowed in respect and signed the condolence book before addressing mourners and officials.
The President spoke about his long association with King Oyo, noting that he had played a role in the young monarch’s upbringing and education after he inherited the Tooro throne at the age of three.
According to Museveni, Queen Mother Best Kemigisa Akiiki contacted him during the election period to inform him that the King’s health had deteriorated. He was later diagnosed with an aggressive form of cancer.
Museveni said he helped provide funds for the King’s medical care, which included treatment in Germany and the United States. However, he said the efforts did not produce the hoped-for result.
“Unfortunately, it was not possible to save the life of the King,” Museveni said.
Although King Oyo died at a relatively young age, Museveni remembered him as a good and peaceful leader who guided the kingdom with restraint and dignity.
He said the late monarch avoided unnecessary public statements and worked to prevent the kingdom from being pulled into disputes or distractions that could affect its unity.
“He was a good leader. He was not so voluble, and he never allowed the kingdom to veer off into other aspects,” Museveni said.
The President urged residents of Tooro to remain composed as the kingdom begins the mourning process. He said questions about the future would be addressed later, through the proper consultations.
“I urge all the people of Tooro to stay calm. Do not be chaotic. We shall sit and discuss the rest at the right time,” he said.
Museveni added that the immediate priority was to honour the late King and allow the royal family and the people of Tooro to grieve without tension or confusion.
Following the airport ceremony, the President met privately with Queen Mother Best Kemigisa and other members of the Tooro Royal Family in the terminal’s lounge.
He ended his message by thanking God for King Oyo’s life and praying for his soul to rest in peace.
“May God give King Oyo rest in everlasting life,” Museveni said.
