Minister Babalanda praises President Museveni for King Oyo’s official burial, urges Batooro to unite

Minister for the Presidency Milly Babirye Babalanda has commended President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni for granting the late King of Tooro, Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru Rukidi IV, an official burial. The funeral service took place on Saturday at St. John’s Cathedral in Fort Portal, attended by Deputy Speaker of Parliament Thomas Tayebwa, government officials, cultural leaders, and thousands of mourners.

King Oyo, who died on August 27, 2026, at the age of 34 in the United States, had served as monarch for nearly three decades, having ascended the throne at the age of three following the death of his father, King Patrick Olimi Kaboyo II. His remains were interred at the Karambi Royal Tombs in Fort Portal.

Babalanda, who served on the national organizing committee for the burial, stated that the government covered expenses related to the late King’s medical treatment in the United States, the chartering of the aircraft to transport his body to Entebbe, and the arrangements for the official send-off. She noted that President Museveni personally received the body at Entebbe International Airport, where he laid a wreath.

Describing the King’s death as a significant loss to both the Tooro Kingdom and Uganda, Babalanda stated that the decision to accord him an official burial reflected the government’s commitment to cultural institutions and national unity. She urged the Batooro people to remain united and to preserve the legacy of the late monarch.

Article and image source: watchdoguganda.com