By Kabuye Ronald
The National Entrepreneurs and Traders Association (NETA) Uganda has joined Ugandans in mourning the death of Tooro King Omukama Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru Rukidi IV, who died in the United States on Thursday at the age of 34.
In a condolence message issued on Friday, the umbrella body for traders and entrepreneurs across the country expressed sympathy to the Tooro Royal Family, the people of Tooro and the entire nation, describing the King’s death as a great loss to Uganda.
“We are deeply saddened by the passing of His Majesty Omukama Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru Rukidi IV,” NETA Uganda Chairman, Dr Thadeus Musoke Nagenda, said.
“NETA Uganda extends its sincere condolences to the Tooro Royal Family and the people of Tooro, traders and entrepreneurs as we join the nation in mourning his passing. Rest in peace, Your Majesty.”
NETA Uganda’s message adds to the growing tributes from cultural, religious and political leaders following the death of the young monarch.
Among those who have mourned King Oyo are the Buganda Kingdom, Kyabazinga of Busoga, William Wilberforce Gabula Nadiope IV; Church of Uganda Archbishop Stephen Kaziimba Mugalu; and Mwami Butsitsi Kahembe IV Isaac, the ruler of Bukumu Kingdom in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo.
Tooro Kingdom Prime Minister Calvin Armstrong Rwomiire Akiiki announced that King Oyo died at about 10:00 p.m. on Thursday.
Born on April 16, 1992, Oyo ascended the Tooro throne on September 12, 1995, at the age of three, following the death of his father, Omukama Patrick David Matthew Kaboyo Olimi III, on August 26, 1995.
He went on to reign for nearly 31 years, during which he championed and promoted initiatives in education, healthcare, environmental conservation, tourism, cultural preservation and youth empowerment.
His death has left the people of Tooro and the wider Ugandan community mourning a monarch who came to the throne at an exceptionally young age and grew up under the watch of a nation that followed his journey from childhood into adulthood.
Tooro Kingdom is expected to announce arrangements for the return of the King’s remains, the official mourning programme and burial arrangements.
The death of King Oyo marks the end of an era for the Tooro Kingdom, with tributes continuing to pour in from across Uganda and beyond as the country joins the Tooro Royal Family in mourning the fallen monarch.
