Museveni Leads Nation in Receiving King Oyo’s Body as Final Journey Begins

September 4, 2026 | Entebbe, Uganda

President Yoweri Museveni on Friday led government officials and Tooro Kingdom leaders in receiving the body of the late Omukama of Tooro, King Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru Rukidi IV, at Entebbe International Airport, marking the beginning of the fallen monarch’s final journey home.

A sombre atmosphere engulfed the old Entebbe Airport terminal as the remains of the 34-year-old king arrived aboard a chartered aircraft operated by Freedom Airline Express.

President Museveni, who had arrived at the airport earlier, paid his final respects to the monarch, laid a wreath on the casket and signed a condolence book before meeting members of the Royal Family.

King Oyo died in the United States on August 27, 2026, after battling an aggressive form of cancer. His death brought an end to a reign that began in 1995 when he ascended the Tooro throne at just three years old, becoming the world’s youngest reigning monarch at the time.

Museveni: We tried to save the King

In his remarks at Entebbe, President Museveni described the death of King Oyo as tragic, recalling that he had watched the young monarch grow from childhood into a leader of Tooro.

Museveni said Queen Mother Best Kemigisa had informed him about the King’s health condition around the election period and that medical specialists had diagnosed him with aggressive cancer.

The President said government provided financial assistance to facilitate treatment in Germany and later the United States, but efforts to save his life ultimately failed.

Museveni praised King Oyo for his leadership, describing him as a calm leader who kept the kingdom focused.

He also appealed to the people of Tooro to remain peaceful and calm during the mourning period, saying issues concerning the kingdom would be addressed at the appropriate time.

Emotional farewell at Entebbe

The reception was attended by Queen Mother Best Kemigisa, members of the Tooro Royal Family, cultural leaders and senior government officials.

Among those present were Tourism Minister Tom Butime, Minister for the Presidency Milly Babalanda, NRM Vice Chairman Moses Kigongo and Presidential Adviser Proscovia Nalweyiso, among other dignitaries.

Following the reception, the casket was taken to a waiting Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces helicopter for transportation to Kyegegwa.

From Kyegegwa, the body was to continue by road through Kyenjojo and Kabarole before reaching Karuziika Royal Palace in Fort Portal City.

Mourners along the route were expected to have an opportunity to pay their final respects as the procession makes its way towards the heart of the Tooro Kingdom.

Nine days of mourning

The return of King Oyo’s body marks the beginning of the official mourning period, during which the remains will lie in state at Karuziika Palace.

Members of the public, cultural delegations and government officials are expected to visit the palace to pay their respects, while prayers will be held each evening.

The government has taken charge of major funeral arrangements, including logistics, security, medical services and other preparations for the official burial.

King Oyo will be buried at the Karambi Royal Tombs on September 12, 2026, bringing to a close the official mourning period.

His death has triggered an outpouring of grief across Tooro and Uganda, with tributes highlighting his long reign, his role in preserving the cultural identity of the kingdom and his engagement in causes including youth empowerment, health and conservation.

For many Batooro, Friday’s arrival at Entebbe was more than the return of a body—it was the beginning of a final farewell to a king who had occupied the Tooro throne for nearly three decades.ALL _{photos are a courtesy of Uganda Media center}

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