Oyo Nyimba, once the world's youngest monarch, dies at 34

Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru Rukidi IV, the Omukama of Toro who as a child became known as the world’s youngest reigning monarch, has died at the age of 34, the kingdom’s prime minister announced.

According to the statement posted yesterday on X by Calvin Armstrong Rwomire Akiki, the Omukama died at about 22:00 local time on Thursday; authorities have not released a cause of death. The Toro kingdom, located in western Uganda near the border with the Democratic Republic of Congo, remains a traditional monarchy within the republic of Uganda with mainly cultural and social influence.

Coronation at age three

Oyo Nyimba was crowned on 12 September 1995 at the age of three after the death of his father, Rubirabasaija Patrick David Matthew Kaboyo Olimi III. He ruled as Omukama of Toro for more than three decades, a figurehead with significant symbolic standing for his people.

Calvin Armstrong Rwomire Akiki wrote: "With deep sorrow and a heavy heart I announce the death of His Highness, the Omukama of Toro, King Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru Rukidi IV." In a further comment the prime minister described the loss as "an immeasurable loss," adding that the king, who was unmarried, had left a successor and that "the continuity of the crown is secured."

Government minister Balaam Barugahara, a member of President Yoweri Museveni's administration, had earlier said the king had been receiving medical care in the United States.

The announcement prompted an outpouring of grief across social media in Uganda and extensive coverage in the country's media. Opposition leader and pop star Bobi Wine wrote on X: "The most shocking news! May the soul of His Highness rest in eternal peace."

Photo: Montazha / EPA/MIKE ODONGKARA