the Humanist view

Greatest of all men (Rukirabasaija).

The King (Omukama).

One who is born during travel (Oyo), his Luo heritage tells us.

The one who sings (Nyimba).

A large spotted hyena or leopard (Kabamba).

The sky or the heavens (Iguru).

The one from the land of the Bakidi, the northerner (Rukidi), of Luo heritage.

What a regal and powerful name befitting Rukirabasaija Omukama Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru Rukidi IV, as a person, and as exemplified by his reign.

As an Africanist, I absolutely love his full name that is devoid of Anglo-Saxon rooted names.

Born 16th April 1992, the tragedy of his father’s death in 1995, necessitated him, at the tender age of only 3 years, to take on the responsibility of the “greatest of all men,” Rukirabasaija.

He triumphed and came of age, guided by three Regents:

• Batebe (Princess Royal) Emeritus Elizabeth Christobel Edith Bagaaya Akiiki
• Omujwera Nyina Omukama (Queen Mother) Best Kemigisa
• President Yoweri Kaguta Tibuhaburwa Museveni

His regents have outlived Omukama Oyo, who reigned for 31 years, and rested on 27th August 2026, after reportedly battling aggressive cancer that attacked his brain, and to which he succumbed.

Today, Friday 4th September 2026, accompanied by members of his royal household, his remains were flown back home to Uganda from the United States of America, where he had been hospitalized and subsequently died.

Omukama Oyo’s three regents were present at Entebbe International Airport, as President Museveni, in his capacity as the Head of State of Uganda, symbolically received Omukama Oyo’s remains.

Amidst all the camaraderie, President Museveni cut a sad figure as he paid his last respects, and placed a wreath on Omukama Oyo’s casket.

The journey of the cortege carrying Omukama Oyo’s remains to his Kingdom, Tooro, has begun. A helicopter flew his remains accompanied by his royal household to the Toro Kingdom entrance district, Kyegegwa.

From Kyegegwa, the cortege carrying Omukama Oyo’s remains will travel by road, more than 100 kilometeres, snaking through Tooro Kingdom and to the Tooro Kingdom Palace, Karuziika, in Kabarole.

Among other significant African leaders of note, who in life embraced Omukama Oyo, included Brotherly Leader and Guide of the Revolution Colonel Muammar Mohammed Abu Minyar al-Gaddafi (now rested).

During the reign of Omukama Oyo, Brotherly Leader Gaddafi was acknowledged “Defender” of Tooro Kingdom. Indeed, Gaddafi paid for the significant refurbishment of Karuziika Palace.

At Karuziika Palace Omukama Oyo’s casket will lay in state for nine days. During which, among others, in accordance with Tooro Kingdom culture, spirituality, traditions and practices, kingly send-off rituals will be performed.

On 12th September 2026, the anniversary of his coronation, Omukama Oyo’s remains will be entombed at Amagasani (Karambi Royal Tombs) in Kabarole District. Marking the end of the reign of Omukama Oyo.

Batoro, subjects of Tooro Kingdom, are among the recognized 65 indigenous communities of Uganda, as at 1st February 1926. According to Uganda’s most recent national population census, conducted in 2024, Batoro numbered 1,005,433, slightly over one million people. Batooro claim seven districts as their territory, de facto Tooro Kingdom. They are: Kabarole, Bunyangabu, Kamwenge, Kitagwenda, Kyegegwa, Kyenjojo and Ntoroko.