Rival Lugbara Kari Leaders hail fallen King Oyo for Championing Cultural Preservation and Youth Empowerment
Fallen King Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru Rukidi IV
ARUA CITY – The leaders of the rival Lugbara Kari (Chiefdom) have publicly mourned the late King of Tooro, His Majesty Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru Rukidi IV.
The leaders, loyal to Agofe (Paramount Chief) Manasse Yuma Amuku, praised King Oyo for championing cultural preservation, youth empowerment and socio-economic development with dignity and grace.
Oyo was declared dead on Thursday last week. The Tooro Kingdom did not disclose the cause of death, though reports indicated he had been critically ill and was seeking treatment in the United States.
Speaking at a press conference held at Onduparaka, a suburb of Arua City on Tuesday, September 1, 2026, Elly Ejiku Emo, the new Prime Minister of Lugbara Kari, expressed profound sadness at the untimely passing of His Majesty the Omukama of Tooro Kingdom.
“On behalf of the Agofe (the Cultural Chief), the leadership and the entire community of Lugbara Kari, we extend our most sincere and heartfelt condolences to the Royal Family, the Kingdom administration and the subjects of the Tooro Kingdom during this period of national mourning.
His Majesty King Oyo was an exemplary leader who championed cultural preservation, youth empowerment and socio-economic development with immense dignity and grace. His steadfast commitment to unity and heritage leaves an indelible mark on cultural governance throughout Uganda and the wider region,” Ejiku said.
The Prime Minister stated that during this time of profound grief, Lugbara Kari stands in unwavering solidarity with the Tooro Kingdom.
“We pray that the Almighty grants comfort and fortitude to the Royal Family and the people of Tooro to bear this monumental loss,” Ejiku said on behalf of Agofe Yuma Manasse Amuku.
Yuma, the Chief of the people of Ayivu, was elected Agofe of Lugbara Chiefdom on July 13, 2023, replacing His Highness the late Nason Avutia, who died in January 2023.
However, before Yuma was sworn in, another Agofe, Pati Anzelo, the Chief of Maracha, was elected and announced as the new Paramount Chief of Lugbara. The development prompted Yuma to dismiss the then Prime Minister, Ismail Tuku, and three other leaders, appointing Elly Ejiku Emo as the new Prime Minister to run the affairs of his government.
The rival Lugbara Kari team has earmarked about Shs 6 million for travel to Tooro Kingdom to participate in the burial ceremony of King Oyo, scheduled for September 9, 2026.
Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru Rukidi IV became king of Tooro in western Uganda at just three years old in 1995 following the death of his father. Although Uganda is governed by an elected president and parliament, several traditional kingdoms continue to wield significant cultural influence despite lacking political power.
Oyo, listed by Guinness World Records as the world’s youngest reigning monarch, ruled over more than two million people. He was the 13th monarch of a kingdom founded in the early 19th century.