Kabaka Ronald Muwenda Mutebi II has urged the people of Tooro to remain united and calm following the death of Omukama Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru Rukidi IV, warning that grief should not become a source of division within the kingdom.
In a condolence message to the people of Tooro, the Kabaka described the death of Omukama Oyo as a loss not only to the kingdom but also to Uganda’s traditional institutions. He praised the late monarch as a leader who carried the responsibilities of kingship with dignity, courage and grace.
The message was read to mourners by the Kabaka’s brother, Prince David Wasajja, during Omukama Oyo’s burial ceremony in Tooro on Saturday.
“It is with profound sorrow that I convey my deepest condolences to the people of Tooro upon the passing of my brother, Rukirabashaija Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru Rukidi IV,” the Kabaka said.
The Kabaka recalled serving as one of Oyo’s guardians and said he had witnessed the late monarch grow from a child who inherited an extraordinary burden into a king who carried the crown with dignity.
“From those early days, I watched him grow from a child upon whose destiny had placed an extraordinary burden into becoming a king who bore the crown with dignity, courage, and grace,” he said.
He described Oyo’s reign as one marked by difficult and changing circumstances, saying the late monarch remained committed to his people despite the challenges surrounding him.
“Through changing times, demanding circumstances, he remained steadfast in his commitment to his people and faithful to the responsibilities of his station,” the Kabaka said.
The Kabaka added that Oyo grew into an internationally respected monarch whose humility, affection for his people and dedication to Tooro left an enduring mark on the kingdom and Uganda.
He said Oyo’s reign also inspired young Ugandans to appreciate the importance of culture, heritage and service, arguing that traditional institutions continue to play an important role in promoting identity and unity.
“Omukama Oyo’s reign inspired a generation of young Ugandans to appreciate the enduring value of culture, heritage, and service. He demonstrated that traditional institutions continue to have an important role in nurturing identity, unity in diversity, and hope,” he said.
However, the Kabaka’s strongest message was directed at the people of Tooro, whom he urged not to allow the pain of losing their king to create divisions.
“As we mourn, I urge you, the sons and daughters of Tooro, to remain united in purpose, calm in spirit, and steadfast in faith,” he said.
“Let the moment of sorrow now not divide, but strengthen the bonds that unite the kingdom.”
The message comes at a sensitive moment for Tooro, with differing positions emerging over the succession to the late king even before his burial.
The Kabaka urged the people of Tooro to honour Oyo’s legacy by maintaining peace, stability and unity in the kingdom.
“Let all who loved Omukama Oyo honour his memory through fortitude, dignity, and commitment to the continued peace, stability, and prosperity of Tooro,” he said.
The Kabaka also extended his condolences to the royal family, particularly Queen Mother Best Kemigisa, Princess Ruth Nsemere Komuntale and Princess Elizabeth Bagaya.
He said the royal family now carries a burden of grief shared by everyone who knew and loved the late Omukama.
“On behalf of the people of Buganda, I extend our deepest sympathies. We stand with you in mourning. We pray with you in grief, and we shall continue to stand beside you as brothers and sisters during this time of bereavement,” the Kabaka said.
He prayed for comfort and strength for the royal family and the people of Tooro, and for eternal rest for the late Omukama.
