King Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru Rukidi IV, who became the world’s youngest reigning monarch after taking the throne at just three, has died in Uganda at 34.
The Tooro Kingdom ruler died on Thursday, with the kingdom’s Prime Minister, Calvin Armstrong Rwomiire Akiiki, confirming his death on Friday.
His cause of death was not immediately made public. However, Ugandan media reported that Oyo had been critically ill and receiving treatment in the United States.
Akiiki described the death as an “immeasurable loss” to the royal family and the people of Tooro.
“I call upon all the people of Tooro to remain united, calm and prayerful during this profoundly difficult time,” he said.
“May His Majesty the King rest in eternal peace.”
Oyo became king in 1995 after the death of his father, King Patrick Matthew Kaboyo Rukidi III. As he was only three, a regency was set up to run the kingdom until he became an adult.
He was formally crowned at 18 in 2010 and was recognised by Guinness World Records as the world’s youngest reigning monarch.
The Tooro Kingdom, also called Toro, is one of Uganda’s traditional kingdoms. Though such kingdoms have no political authority under the country’s elected government, they still hold major cultural influence.
Oyo was Tooro’s 13th monarch. During his 31-year reign, he became a prominent cultural figure and supported youth empowerment, education, climate conservation and HIV/AIDS awareness.
Despite not being married, the kingdom said succession was assured. Akiiki said Oyo left behind a son who would inherit the throne.
“The continuity of the Crown is assured,” he said.
“His Majesty leaves behind a Prince as his heir, whose identity will be formally revealed at the appropriate time, in accordance with the traditions and customs of the Tooro Kingdom.”
The Buganda Kingdom also mourned Oyo, describing him as a valuable figure to Uganda.
