President Yoweri Museveni said on Friday that he had been informed of the type of cancer the late King of Tooro, Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru Rukidi IV, was battling months before his death in the United States.
Museveni said he learned of the king’s condition in November 2025, during Uganda’s presidential election campaign, and was told that Oyo would travel to the United States for treatment.
The disclosure comes after the 34-year-old monarch’s body was returned to Uganda on Friday, days after his death.
“He was a good man and did great work for the kingdom. I commiserate with the family and the Batoro for the loss of their king,” Museveni said.
The president received the body at Entebbe International Airport, where he paid his respects and laid a wreath on the casket before holding a closed-door meeting with members of the royal family.
The king’s body was later flown by a Uganda People’s Defence Forces helicopter to Kyegegwa, from where it was due to continue by road to the Tooro Kingdom.
Museveni’s remarks provide the clearest account so far of how senior authorities handled information about the king’s illness. The Tooro Kingdom had not publicly disclosed details of his medical condition before his death.
Oyo died on Aug. 27 at the age of 34 after reigning for more than three decades.
He became king in 1995, aged three, following the death of his father, King Patrick David Matthew Rwamuhokya Kaboyo Olimi III. His accession made him the world’s youngest reigning monarch at the time.
Oyo later assumed full royal responsibilities and was formally crowned in 2010.
Born on April 16, 1992, he was educated at Aga Khan Primary School and Kampala International School Uganda before studying Business Management at the University of Winchester in Britain.
During his reign, Oyo promoted initiatives in education, youth empowerment, health and environmental conservation. In 2021, he launched Tooro Kingdom Vision 2045, a long-term development plan for the kingdom.
His death has triggered mourning across Tooro, while preparations for his burial and the succession of the kingdom’s next monarch get underway.
Parliament has also paid tribute to Oyo, describing him as a leader who served his people with dedication and resilience.
He is expected to be accorded a royal farewell in line with the traditions of the Tooro Kingdom.
