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Entebbe, Uganda | URN | The body of the late Omukama of Tooro, King Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru Rukidi IV, has arrived in Uganda, marking the beginning of nine days of official mourning of the fallen king.
The casket containing the remains of the fallen king touched down at Entebbe International Airport at 12:08 pm aboard a chartered aircraft, 5Y-FAM.
President Yoweri Museveni, who arrived at the airport at about 10:00 am, received the body upon its arrival.
The casket draped in the Tooro Kingdom’s flag was wheeled to a waiting UPDF chopper. The Uganda flag was then added on top of the Tooro flag. Youthful Tooro Royal then carried it into the chopper for transportation to Tooro.
The emotional reception at the airport was marked by grief, with mourners and dignitaries struggling to contain their tears as the remains of the long-serving Tooro monarch were brought home.
Among those at the airport were the Minister of Gender, Labour and Social Development, Lt. Gen. Henry Tumukunde, Minister of Local Government Balaam Barugahara Ateenyi, Tooro Kingdom Prime Minister Calvin Armstrong, and other government and kingdom officials.
The arrival of King Oyo’s body officially ushers in the nine-day mourning period, during which preparations will be made for the installation of his successor to the Tooro throne.
King Oyo, who died after more than three decades on the throne, ascended as Omukama in 1995 at the age of three, following the death of his father, King Patrick Matthew Kaboyo Olimi III.
He was due to mark 31 years as King of Tooro this year.
The late monarch is expected to be buried on September 12, 2026, the same day the new Omukama will be installed in a coronation ceremony.
His death has triggered an outpouring of grief across Tooro and Uganda, with preparations underway for a series of traditional and state ceremonies to honour the monarch and usher in his successor.
