Western Uganda is holding the funeral for King Oyo Nyimba, the monarch of the Tooro Kingdom, who died last month at the age of 34. His death has ignited a succession dispute that has divided his royal family and captivated the nation.
King Oyo, as he was widely known, died in late August from cancer and was unmarried. Elders from the kingdom’s ruling clan, the Babiito, stated that he did not name an heir. This contradicts claims from others within the kingdom who assert that he fathered a son out of wedlock. The identity of this potential heir has not been publicly confirmed, fueling speculation on social media about at least two individuals claiming to be Oyo's children.
On Wednesday, a committee of Tooro elders announced the selection of a prince who currently works as a journalist to succeed King Oyo. This decision has been met with approval from traditionalists who advocate for an adult leader, but has drawn criticism from the king’s close relatives.
Princess Ruth Komuntale, Oyo's sister, has described the succession announcement as an attempt to foster division and unrest. Queen Mother Best Kemigisa issued a statement noting that the dispute hampers the kingdom's ability to mourn. "Let us grieve and bury my son King Oyo," she urged, adding that there would be time later to address the succession.
Traditional monarchs in Uganda, while revered, do not hold formal political power. The kingdom was restored in 1993 after being abolished following independence from British colonial rule. Although legally barred from partisan politics, these monarchs serve as cultural custodians.
King Oyo became monarch in 1995 at the age of three, following the death of his father. He was once recognized as the world's youngest king. World leaders, including Nelson Mandela, met him during national events. Regents governed the kingdom until Oyo reached the age of 18.
During his coronation, Oyo underwent tribal rituals and performed a coming-of-age ceremony at the royal cemetery, which involved tossing nine coffee beans into his father's tomb. It remains uncertain who will perform this rite amidst the current succession conflict.
The family has indicated that King Oyo left a will which the Tooro elders have disregarded, suggesting the matter of his successor may proceed to court. The late Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi had a personal connection with the Tooro royal family, providing support for Oyo and his mother for several years.
A prominent analyst from Tooro, Timothy Kalyegira, reflected on the king's untimely death, describing it as a profound loss.
The funeral service is taking place in Fort Portal, a city near the Congo border, concluding a nine-day mourning period. King Oyo will be buried next to his ancestors later on Saturday.