President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has mourned the death of Omukama Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru Rukidi IV, the King of Tooro, who died at the age of 34.

King Oyo died on Thursday, August 28, following what President Museveni described as an aggressive form of cancer.

In a message posted on X, formerly Twitter, Museveni conveyed his condolences to the Royal Family of Tooro and the people of Uganda, describing the death of the young monarch as a great loss.

“It is with a lot of sadness that, on behalf of all Ugandans, Maama Janet and myself, I extend our heartfelt condolences to the Royal Family of Tooro and to all Ugandans on account of the death of the prominent Muzzukulu, His Highness Oyo, the King of Tooro, at such a young age of 34. How unfair life can be!” Museveni said.

The President noted that King Oyo had lost his parents at a young age and had himself died at a relatively young age.

“He was orphaned while still young, and he has died young,” Museveni said.

Museveni said the government had supported the Royal Family in seeking specialised medical treatment for the King, first in Germany and later in the United States, where he died.

“Some months back, Her Royal Highness Kemigisa, Nyinomukama, came to tell me that the Muzzukulu Oyo had cancer that was very aggressive. The Government supported them to go to Germany and then the USA, where he died,” he said.

The President described King Oyo’s death as a significant loss to Tooro and Uganda, saying the young monarch had the potential to work with both the central government and local authorities to promote the development of the kingdom.

Museveni also directed that King Oyo be accorded an official burial in recognition of his status and contribution to the country.

He further ordered that all national flags be flown at half-mast for three days — the day before the burial, the day of the burial and the day after.

“May his soul rest in eternal peace,” Museveni said.

King Oyo ascended to the Tooro throne in 1995 at the age of three, following the death of his father, Omukama Patrick Matthew Kaboyo Olimi III. His reign made him one of the world’s youngest reigning monarchs at the time.