The Tooro Kingdom has broken its silence on why the illness of the late Omukama Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru Rukidi IV was not disclosed to the public, saying the decision was made in accordance with the late King’s wishes.
The Kingdom’s Prime Minister (Omuhikirwa), Calvin Armstrong Rwomiire, said information that the King was abroad for studies and was in good health was communicated at his direction.
Rwomiire said that, as a person serving the King, it was his responsibility to respect his wishes and protect his privacy.
“The information communicated to the public that His Majesty was abroad studying, and subsequently that he was well, was communicated in accordance with His Majesty’s express wishes and direction,” Rwomiire said.
“As someone serving him, it was my responsibility to respect his wishes and protect his privacy. I did so faithfully and respectfully.”
The statement comes amid questions and speculation surrounding King Oyo’s stay abroad and the lack of public information about his health before his death.
Rwomiire said he was confident that the late King acted in good faith, explaining that Oyo believed he would recover and return home to reunite with his subjects for the 31st Empango celebrations.
“I am also confident that His Majesty acted in good faith. He was confident in his recovery and was looking forward to returning home and reuniting with his people for the 31st Empango. He did not want to cause unnecessary alarm among his people,” he said.
The Tooro Kingdom Prime Minister, however, urged the public and Kingdom leaders to avoid turning the King’s death into a platform for disagreements, speculation and competing narratives.
He said there would be an appropriate time and forum to address any outstanding questions after the King has been laid to rest.
“There will be a proper time and forum, after His Majesty has been laid to rest, to address any matters that require clarification. For now, everything else is secondary,” Rwomiire said.
He appealed to Kingdom leaders, cultural leaders, public officials, journalists and social media users to exercise restraint, warning that statements made during the mourning period could deepen divisions within Tooro.
Rwomiire also called for privacy for the Royal Family and those who were closest to the late King, saying they should be allowed to grieve without unnecessary intrusion or pressure to speak.
The statement comes as Tooro prepares to receive the body of King Oyo on Friday, September 4, and begin burial arrangements. Rwomiire urged the people of the Kingdom to focus on giving their King a dignified farewell.
“Our duty now is simple: to receive our King with honour, lay him to rest with dignity, and stand together as one people,” he said.
He urged the people of Tooro to ensure that the King’s final days are defined by unity, dignity and respect rather than controversy.
“Until His Majesty has been laid to rest, let us remain united and focused on giving him the peaceful and honourable farewell he deserves. In all that we say and do, Tooro must come first.”
