Minister Babalanda commends President Museveni for King Oyo’s Official Burial, Appeals to Batooro to Unite and Preserve His Legacy

The Minister for the Presidency and Member of Parliament for Budiope West Constituency, Hon. Babirye Milly Babalanda, has joined Deputy Speaker of Parliament Rt. Hon. Thomas Tayebwa, government dignitaries, cultural leaders, and thousands of mourners in paying their last respects to the late King of Tooro, His Majesty Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru Rukidi IV.

The solemn funeral service was held at St. John’s Cathedral in Fort Portal, where thousands of Ugandans from all walks of life gathered to honour and bid farewell to the fallen monarch.

In a statement shared on her official X account, Minister Babalanda described the late King Oyo as a historic figure who will be remembered in world records as the youngest reigning monarch.

“His Majesty King Oyo ascended the throne at just three years old after the death of his father and ruled Tooro for nearly three decades,” Babalanda noted.

“King Oyo’s death was an immeasurable loss to the Tooro Kingdom and Uganda at large.”, she added

Minister Babalanda expressed profound gratitude to His Excellency President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni for standing with the Tooro Kingdom during its darkest hour.

“On behalf of the National Organising Committee, I wish to express our deepest and most heartfelt gratitude to His Excellency President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni for according His Majesty King Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru Rukidi IV a befitting official burial,” she posted.

Minister Babalanda further stated that President Museveni personally catered for the expenses associated with the King’s illness and final journey, including his medical treatment in the United States, chartering the flight that returned his body to Entebbe, and the organisation of his official send-off.

She also commended President Museveni for personally being present at Entebbe International Airport to receive the King’s body. At the airport, the President laid a wreath and bowed before the casket, which was draped in both the national flag and the Tooro Kingdom flag.

“His personal presence spoke volumes about his respect for the institution of the Tooro Kingdom and traditional institutions in Uganda. This gesture comforted the entire Tooro fraternity and all Ugandans who cherished King Oyo,” Babalanda said.

According to the Minister, President Museveni’s decision to accord King Oyo an official burial is a testament to his commitment to national unity, culture, and the dignity of Uganda’s traditional institutions.

Minister Babalanda appealed to the people of Tooro to remain united, calm, and prayerful during this difficult period. She also urged the Batooro to preserve and build upon the legacy left behind by the late monarch.

She concluded her tribute with a message of hope from Scripture: “The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” — Psalm 34:18

King Oyo, who died on August 27 in the United States at the age of 34, was buried today at the Karambi Royal Tombs in Fort Portal. He will be remembered for his long reign, his role in the continuity of the Tooro Kingdom, and his contribution to modern cultural leadership.

May His Majesty King Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru Rukidi IV rest in eternal peace.