Ugandan King Oyo Nyimba Dies At 34

Ugandan King Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru Rukidi IV, who became the world’s youngest reigning monarch after ascending the throne at the age of three, has died at 34.

The King of Tooro died at about 10pm local time on Thursday, according to the kingdom’s Prime Minister Calvin Armstrong Rwomiire Akiiki, who announced his death without disclosing the cause. Rukidi IV was crowned on September 12, 1995, following the death of his father, King Rukirabasaija Patrick David Matthew Kaboyo Olimi III.

Tooro is one of several traditional kingdoms in Uganda, a republic where such institutions retain largely symbolic political roles but significant cultural and social influence.

The king was reportedly receiving treatment in the United States shortly before his death, according to Ugandan government minister Balaam Barugahara.

The kingdom’s prime minister described his death as an “immeasurable loss” and said Rukidi IV had left an heir, assuring continuity of the crown. The monarch was unmarried. News of his death prompted widespread grief across Uganda, with opposition leader and musician Bobi Wine among those paying tribute.

Rukidi IV had been widely recognised for representing a younger generation of traditional leadership.

SOURCE: Reuters