Uganda has entered a period of mourning for King Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru Rukidi IV, whose remains have been returned to the country ahead of his burial on September 12.
The 34-year-old monarch died in the United States last week after undergoing treatment for an aggressive form of cancer, bringing an end to a reign that began when he was only three years old.
His body arrived at Entebbe Airport, where President Yoweri Museveni joined other dignitaries and mourners to receive the remains. After a brief ceremony, the coffin was transported by military helicopter to Kyegegwa in western Uganda before being taken by road to the royal palace in Fort Portal.
The arrival of the remains has formally opened the Tooro Kingdom’s nine-day mourning period. The king will lie in state at Karuziika Palace, giving residents and other mourners an opportunity to pay their final respects, while prayers will be held each evening.
King Oyo ascended the throne in 1995 and was formally crowned when he turned 18 in 2010. He became the 13th monarch of the Tooro Kingdom, an institution established in the early 19th Century and still regarded as a major symbol of cultural identity despite having no political authority.
His death has also drawn tributes from Uganda’s political leadership. Parliament held a special session in his honour, with lawmakers recalling his interest in education, healthcare and initiatives aimed at improving opportunities for young people.
Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja described Oyo as a symbol of unity, while opposition lawmakers also praised his ability to combine the preservation of Tooro’s traditions with modern development. President Museveni has consequently ordered an official burial, with national flags to fly at half-mast for three days around the funeral.
The final rites will begin with a church service on September 12 before the king’s remains are conveyed in a traditional procession to the Karambi Royal Tombs. His burial is scheduled for 2pm local time, coinciding with the date on which he had hoped to mark his coronation anniversary through the annual Empango celebration.
