A succession dispute is growing in Uganda’s Tooro Kingdom following the death of King Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru Rukidi IV, who became the world’s youngest reigning monarch after ascending the throne at just three years old.
The late king’s body has returned to Uganda from the United States, where he died aged 34 after receiving treatment for an aggressive form of cancer.
President Yoweri Museveni was among those who gathered at Entebbe airport as the country began an official period of mourning.
King Oyo is expected to be buried next Saturday, on the date he had hoped to celebrate the anniversary of his coronation.
King Oyo’s body returns to Uganda
Following a ceremony at Entebbe airport, the king’s body was transported by military helicopter to western Uganda.
It was then taken to the royal palace in Fort Portal.
His body will lie in state at Karuziika Palace during a nine-day mourning period, allowing members of the public to pay their respects. Prayers will also be held each evening.
Museveni has ordered an official burial, while national flags will fly at half-mast for three days around the funeral.
Succession dispute emerges
The king’s death has also raised questions over who will inherit the throne.
King Oyo was not officially married. However, senior Tooro Kingdom officials say he left behind a young son.
Tooro Prime Minister Calvin Armstrong Rwomiire Akiiki said the child’s identity would be revealed later in accordance with the kingdom’s customs.
Museveni also said King Oyo’s mother, Queen Best Kemigisa, had told him that her son had left an heir.
However, the claim has been questioned by members of the royal family.
Charles Kamurasi, head of the Babiito royal clan from which Tooro kings are selected, said he was unaware of the reported child.
Other members of the royal clan have also questioned why they had not previously been told about the alleged heir.
Akiiki has since called for the disagreement to be handled privately and said he wants to meet elders to resolve the issue.
Government urges restraint
Uganda’s government has urged the public not to spread speculation about the succession on social media.
Culture Minister Henry Tumukunde said information should come from the government and the Tooro Kingdom.
He also said any disagreement would be handled under Uganda’s laws governing traditional and cultural leaders.
The Tooro Kingdom follows a hereditary system for selecting its monarch.
Although Uganda is governed by an elected president and parliament, traditional kingdoms continue to hold significant cultural influence and do not exercise formal political power.
King Oyo became monarch at just three
King Oyo ascended the Tooro throne in 1995 when he was only three years old.
He later received his formal coronation as an adult in 2010.
Guinness World Records recognised him as the world’s youngest reigning monarch. He became the 13th ruler of the Tooro Kingdom and presided over a community of more than two million people.
Uganda’s parliament has also held a special tribute for the late king.
Lawmakers remembered him for promoting education, health and opportunities for young people.
Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja described him as a symbol of unity and highlighted his work raising awareness about HIV and AIDS among young Ugandans.
Before his burial, a church funeral service will be held. His body will then be taken in a traditional procession to the Karambi Royal Tombs.