Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru Rukidi IV, the world's youngest king and traditional monarch of Tooro Kingdom in western Uganda, has died at the age of 34. His passing was announced on Friday by Prime Minister Calvin Rwomiire Akiiki.
The cause of death was not immediately revealed, but a Ugandan government minister told local media that the king had been critically ill and had sought treatment in the United States.
Oyo ascended the throne in 1995 at the age of three, following the death of his father. He was listed in the Guinness World Records as the world's youngest reigning monarch. He led his people through regents until he came of age at 18. His kingdom, founded in 1830, is one of Uganda's ancient kingdoms. Although traditional kingdoms were banned after independence, they were restored in 1993. These monarchs hold significant cultural influence, though they have no political authority and are legally barred from engaging in politics.
The Tooro premier stated that the continuity of the Crown is assured, with an heir to the throne identified as a Prince, whose identity will be formally revealed at an appropriate time.
Oyo ruled over a population of more than two million people. He was known for his quiet demeanor and protection of privacy. Although unmarried at the time of his death, he was widely considered Uganda's most eligible bachelor. He was also respected for his advocacy for youth empowerment, education, climate issues, and HIV/Aids awareness. In tribute, a government minister announced that a million trees would be planted in his honor.
Libyan leader Colonel Muammar Gaddafi was known to have supported Oyo and the queen mother for years before his death in 2011.
The seat of Oyo's kingdom is a remote city in western Uganda near the Congo border. The people of his kingdom are known as the Batooro.