President Museveni paying his respect after laying a wreath on the casket containing the remains of King Oyo at Entebbe Airport on Friday. PPU Photo
HABARI DAILY I Kampala, Uganda I President Yoweri Museveni has said that upon being briefed about King Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru Rukidi IV’s health condition, he immediately instituted full medical sponsorship that took him to several countries.
“We supported efforts to secure specialised treatment for King Oyo, initially in Germany and later in the United States, but the treatment was ultimately unsuccessful,” said Museveni as he received the body of His Majesty King at Entebbe International Airport today.
He however pointed out that all efforts were unable to save the King.
Museveni further noted that the Queen Mother first informed him about the King’s illness during a meeting in November 2025, at the height of campaigns ahead of the General Elections.
“The Queen Mother came and visited me in November 2025 during the campaigns ahead of the elections, and she told me about this problem of aggressive cancer that had started disturbing the King,” he said.
The President paid glowing tribute to the fallen Tooro monarch as a good person and leader whose death has deeply saddened the nation.
“Sorry for the loss of the grandchild, King Oyo. We looked after him, we took him to school, and he grew up, but now the Lord has taken him,” President Museveni said.
The President described King Oyo as a good person and leader throughout his reign as the Omukama of Tooro.
“During his entire leadership as King of Tooro, he was a very good person and leader. May the Lord grant him eternal rest. Amen,” President Museveni said.
Museveni expressed sorrow over the King’s death, recalling his long association with the Tooro Royal Family and the efforts made to secure specialised medical treatment for the monarch.
Full State honors
Upon the arrival of the aircraft, President Museveni proceeded to the flagmast area, where the casket was formally received.
In a ceremony combining military and cultural symbolism, the Uganda Police wrapped the casket in the national colours and the colours of the Tooro Kingdom.
The casket was then carried through a guard of honour mounted by the Uganda Police before being placed at a designated point in front of the President.
The President later laid a wreath as the Uganda Police Brass Band played solemn hymns. The aircraft carrying King Oyo’s body arrived at the VIP Terminal at exactly 12:00 noon for a solemn reception ceremony attended by members of the Tooro Royal Family led by the Queen Mother, Best Kemigisa, Tooro Kingdom officials, Central Government ministers and religious leaders.
Solemn Reception
Cabinet ministers, members of the Tooro Royal Family, Tooro Kingdom officials and religious leaders subsequently paid their last respects.
The President later held a brief meeting with selected members of the Royal Family, including the Queen Mother, at the Presidential Lounge.
The delegation accompanying the body, together with selected members of the Royal Family, later boarded a helicopter bound for Kyegegwa District.
King Oyo’s body has since been received by mourners and members of the Tooro Kingdom in Kyegegwa, as preparations continue for his official burial scheduled for September 12. This is a date that would have marked the 31st anniversary of his coronation.
Friday’s ceremony at Entebbe International Airport marked the beginning of the final journey home for the fallen Tooro King, as his family, subjects and the nation prepare to accord him a final farewell.
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