The world’s youngest monarch, who was just three years old when he ascended the throne, has died at the age of 34.
Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru Rukidi IV became king of Tooro in western Uganda in 1995 after the death of his father.
His death was announced early on Friday by Prime Minister Calvin Rwomiire Akiiki, but the cause of death was not revealed.
A Ugandan minister told local media that the young king was seriously ill and had sought treatment in the US.
Tooro is one of the ancient kingdoms of Uganda. The traditional kingdoms were banned in 1993 after independence from British colonial rule by a republican president who said he wanted to unify the country.
Although they have no political authority and are legally barred from engaging in politics, the monarchs wield significant cultural influence.
Oyo was the 13th monarch of a kingdom founded in 1830.
In a statement, the prime minister revealed that although the king was not officially married, there was an heir apparent.
King Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru Rukidi IV, the world’s youngest monarch and a traditional Ugandan ruler, has died at the age of 34.
“The continuity of the Crown is assured,” said the Tooro Prime Minister. “His Majesty leaves behind him a prince as his heir, whose identity will be formally revealed at the appropriate time, in accordance with the traditions and customs of the Tooro Kingdom.”
Oyo, who was listed in the Guinness World Records as the world’s youngest reigning monarch, ruled over a population of more than two million people.
His death came as a shock to many Ugandans, who were unaware of how ill he was.
“This is very difficult to understand,” Deputy Speaker of Parliament Thomas Tayebwa said on Friday.
Oh yes he was said to be a curious child in colorful robes and an object of worship to his millions of subjects.
At his coronation, he underwent a series of tribal rituals and emerged as King Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru Rukidi IV. Oyo led his people through regents appointed by the kingdom until he came of age at the age of 18.
Notorious Libyan leader Colonel Muammar Gaddafi was among those who befriended the Tooro royal family.
Colonel Gaddafi made several trips to Uganda and supported Oyo and the Queen Mother for years before his death in October 2011.
As he grew older, Oyo was known as a quiet man who protected his privacy. At his death he was still unmarried and was widely regarded as Uganda’s most eligible bachelor.
He was also highly respected by his people and promoted youth empowerment, education, climate issues and HIV/AIDS awareness.
Minister Margaret Muhanga was among those to pay tribute, saying one million trees would be planted in the king’s honour.
The seat of Oyo’s kingdom is a remote town in western Uganda, near the border with Congo. Oyo’s people are known as the Batooro.
