Museveni directs official burial, 3 days of half-mast flags as he mourns King Oyo
“How unfair life can be! He was orphaned while still young and he has died young,” Museveni said.
Kampala: President Yoweri Museveni has mourned the death of the King of Tooro, His Highness Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru Rukidi IV, describing his death at the age of 34 as a great loss to Tooro Kingdom and Uganda.
In a condolence message issued following the death of the King, Museveni extended his sympathies to the royal family and the people of Tooro on behalf of himself, First Lady Janet Museveni and all Ugandans.
“It is with a lot of sadness that, on behalf of all Ugandans, Maama Janet and myself, I extend our most heartfelt condolences to the Royal Family of Tooro and to all Ugandans on account of the death of the prominent Muzzukulu, His Highness Oyo, the King of Tooro at such a young age of 34,” Museveni said.
The President described King Oyo’s death as particularly painful, noting that the monarch had been orphaned at a young age and had died while still young.
“How unfair life can be! He was orphaned while still young and he has died young,” Museveni said.
Museveni said that despite his short life, King Oyo had demonstrated the potential to work closely with both the Central and Local Governments in advancing the development of Tooro.
“In the short life on earth, he had shown that he had potential of working well with the Central and Local Governments to develop Tooro. What a loss to Tooro and Uganda,” he said.
The President also revealed that the government had supported the King’s treatment after the royal family informed him about his illness.
Museveni said Queen Mother Best Kemigisa, the Nyinamukama of Tooro, had informed him months ago that King Oyo was suffering from an aggressive form of cancer.
“The Government supported them to go to Germany and, then, the USA where he died,” Museveni said.
According to Museveni, Queen Mother Kemigisa also informed him that King Oyo left behind a young male heir, who will be introduced to the public at an appropriate time.
“Fortunately, in a telephone call, Her Royal Highness Kemigisa told me that H.H. Oyo left a young boy heir that will be introduced to the public at the right time,” he said.
Museveni also praised King Oyo for maintaining a good working relationship with the Central Government and cautioned cultural leaders against using cultural institutions to promote sectarianism.
“H.H. Oyo worked well with the Central Government, thereby avoiding the mistake of trying to use the Cultural Institutions that were restored by the NRM to promote sectarianism,” he said.
The President called on other cultural leaders to emulate what he described as King Oyo’s approach.
“It would be good if all the Cultural leaders understood the importance of this,” Museveni said.
Museveni directs official burial
Museveni has directed that King Oyo be accorded an official burial in recognition of his contribution and status as a cultural leader.
“I direct that H.H. Oyo be given an official burial,” Museveni directed.
He further ordered that all national flags fly at half-mast for three days to honour the late King.
“The three days are: the day of the burial, the day before and the day after,” he said.
Museveni concluded his message by praying for the eternal repose of the King.
“May his soul rest in eternal peace,” he said.
Do you have an advertisement or article you want to publish? Mail us at theugreports@gmail.com or WhatsApp +256757022363.
