Body of Uganda's youngest traditional king returns home amid succession dispute
The body of Tooro kingdom's monarch, King Oyo, has been brought back to Uganda for state burial preparations, as a dispute over his succession intensifies among royal and government figures.
Uganda's Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja described the late King Oyo of the Tooro kingdom as a "symbol of unity," praising his efforts to raise awareness of HIV and Aids among young people. Opposition figures also paid tribute, with acting opposition leader Patrick Nsamba Oshabe saying heritage and development were never rivals under his leadership.
President Yoweri Museveni has ordered an official state burial, with national flags to fly at half-mast for three days around the funeral. On Wednesday, Tooro's Prime Minister Calvin Armstrong Rwomiire Akiiki said the king had asked officials not to reveal how serious his illness was, as he believed he would recover and return home. He had hoped to be back for this year's Empango celebration, marking his coronation anniversary, on 12 September.
Uncertainty over an heir
The king's death has raised questions about the monarchy's future since Oyo was not officially married. Akiiki said the king had a young son whose identity would be disclosed later according to Tooro custom, and President Museveni said the king's mother, Queen Best Kemigisa, had told him her son left an heir.
However, Charles Kamurasi, head of the Babiito royal clan from which Tooro kings are traditionally chosen, said he had no knowledge of the reported child, sparking an unusual public rift among senior figures connected to the kingdom. Other clan members have also questioned why they were not informed. Akiiki has appealed for the matter to be resolved privately, warning that words spoken during grief could deepen divisions for years.
The Ugandan government has urged the public not to spread speculation on social media, calling for reliance on official statements from the government and the Tooro Kingdom. Culture Minister Henry Tumukunde said the world was watching how Uganda mourns its king and called for restraint and respect.
King Oyo, who ascended the throne in 1995 and drew international attention due to his young age at the time, will have a church funeral service before his body is carried in a traditional procession to the Karambi Royal Tombs for burial.
