Staff
Ugandan songbird Juliana Kanyomozi is mourning the death of her cousin, King Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru Rukidi IV, the Omukama of Tooro.
King Oyo, who died at approximately 10PM on Thursday, August 27, 2026, aged 34, had reigned over Tooro Kingdom for nearly 31 years. His death was confirmed by Tooro Kingdom Prime Minister Calvin Armstrong Rwomiire Akiiki, who described it as an immeasurable loss to the royal family, Tooro and Uganda.
Juliana, who is a member of the Tooro royal family and a first cousin to the late monarch, is among those deeply affected by the loss. Her connection to the royal family has long been documented with reports identifying her as a cousin to King Oyo.
The passing marks the end of an extraordinary reign that began when Oyo ascended the throne at just three years old in 1995. He went on to become one of Uganda’s most recognised traditional leaders and a symbol of Tooro’s cultural identity.
The kingdom has assured the Abatooro that the continuity of the crown is secure, revealing that King Oyo left behind a Prince who will be formally unveiled as his heir in accordance with Tooro traditions.
