KAMPALA – Parliament has paid glowing tribute to the late Omukama of Tooro Kingdom, Rukirabasaija Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru Rukidi IV, describing him as a unifying, non-sectarian and transformative leader whose reign was marked by a commitment to the development and welfare of his people.
The tributes were paid during a plenary sitting chaired by Speaker of Parliament Jacob Markson Oboth, following a motion moved by Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja to honour the late King.
Members of Parliament from across the political divide praised King Oyo for promoting unity, supporting young people and encouraging communities to embrace commercial agriculture as a pathway to improved livelihoods.
Leading the tributes on behalf of legislators, Edson Rugumayo said the late King was particularly committed to encouraging young people in Tooro to take up commercial agriculture and become economically productive.
Ntoroko District Woman MP Jennifer Mujungu commended Speaker Oboth for the support and solidarity extended to Tooro Kingdom following the King’s death.
Mukono Municipality MP Betty Nambooze Bakireke, speaking as a member of the Buganda Caucus, said the Buganda Kingdom appreciated King Oyo for his contribution to unity and his dedicated service to the people of Tooro.
Nambooze extended condolences to the people of Tooro and the royal family, while also making an emotional appeal for forgiveness from Kabaka Ronald Muwenda Mutebi II.
“We are so guilty before the King of Uganda for having not stood our ground to defend the kingdom. So we are as guilty as charged and we beg for his forgiveness,” Nambooze said.
She thanked the late King for his service to Tooro, describing his contribution to the kingdom as a job well done.
State Minister for Local Government Balaam Barugahara described King Oyo as a young leader who deeply loved his people and appealed to Ugandans to allow the people of Tooro to mourn their King with respect, unity and dignity.
Moving the motion, Prime Minister Nabbanja described the late King as a transformative leader and praised President Yoweri Museveni for the support and guidance extended to him throughout his reign.
“His Majesty the late King Oyo was a transformative leader,” Nabbanja said, paying tribute to his contribution to Tooro Kingdom and the country.
The Leader of the Opposition, Joel Ssenyonyi, also paid tribute to the late King through a statement read before Parliament by stand-in Leader of the Opposition Patrick Oshabe.
Ssenyonyi described King Oyo’s life as extraordinary and conveyed condolences to the people of Tooro Kingdom, the royal family and all Ugandans mourning his death.
Deputy Speaker Thomas Tayebwa similarly extended his condolences to the people of Tooro, the royal family and Parliament over what he described as the unfortunate loss of the King.
Bunyangabu County MP Victor Kalenzi remembered King Oyo as a devoted family man who successfully balanced his family responsibilities with the demands of his royal duties. He also praised the late monarch’s commitment to personal fitness and healthy living.
State Minister for Lands, Housing and Urban Development, Persis Namuganza, described King Oyo as a vibrant and ambitious young leader with a clear vision for the development of Tooro Kingdom.
Namuganza said the late King had shared with her plans to develop social housing for the people of Tooro and build a modern city that would reflect the kingdom’s identity while strengthening its tourism potential.
She recalled that during their last engagements, the King appeared energetic, optimistic and enthusiastic about the future.
Namuganza said his death was therefore a painful shock to the royal family, the people of Tooro and the country at large.
She described him as a joyful young leader who wanted to see the people of Tooro enjoy better lives and urged the royal family and the kingdom to seek strength and comfort in God during the difficult period.
Speaker Oboth thanked Prime Minister Nabbanja for moving the motion that enabled Parliament to formally pay tribute to the late King.
He also conveyed condolences from former Deputy Speaker Al-Hajji Moses Kigongo to the people of Tooro and the royal family.
Earlier, while addressing journalists at the Uganda Media Centre, Minister for the Presidency Babirye Milly Babalanda said Cabinet, chaired by President Museveni, had directed Prime Minister Nabbanja to lead a team of ministers, including ministers from the Tooro region, in coordinating preparations for the King’s burial.
Babalanda said the Government had put in place arrangements to accord King Oyo a befitting send-off, describing him as a young leader who worked closely with the President and the Government throughout his reign.
“He was the King above all other Kings. May God heal the hearts of the people of Tooro,” Babalanda said.
King Oyo ascended to the throne as Omukama of Tooro at the age of three in 1995. His death has prompted national mourning, with political, cultural and religious leaders from across the country paying tribute to his life, leadership and legacy.
