The traditional ruler of Uganda’s Tooro Kingdom, King Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru Rukidi IV, who was recognised as the world’s youngest reigning monarch, has died at the age of 34.
The Prime Minister of Tooro Kingdom, Mr Calvin Armstrong Rwomiire Akiiki, announced the monarch’s death on Friday.
Akiiki described King Oyo’s death on Thursday, Aug. 27, as an “immeasurable loss” to the royal family and the people of Tooro Kingdom.
“I call upon all the people of Tooro to remain united, calm and prayerful during this profoundly difficult time,” Akiiki said.
“May His Majesty the King rest in eternal peace.”
The cause of the monarch’s death was not immediately disclosed.
However, local media quoted a Ugandan government minister as saying that King Oyo had been critically ill and was receiving medical treatment in the United States before his death.
King Oyo ascended the throne of the Tooro Kingdom in western Uganda in 1995 at the age of three, following the death of his father.
He was later officially crowned after attaining the age of 18, following a regency led by the queen mother and other members of the royal family.
Guinness World Records had recognised King Oyo as the world’s youngest reigning monarch.
He was the 13th monarch of the Tooro Kingdom and ruled over a population of more than two million people.
The Tooro Kingdom operates a hereditary system of succession.
Although King Oyo was not officially married, Akiiki said the continuity of the crown had been assured.
According to him, the late monarch is survived by a prince who will succeed him.
“His Majesty leaves behind a Prince as his heir, whose identity will be formally revealed at the appropriate time, in accordance with the traditions and customs of Tooro Kingdom,” Akiiki said.
