King Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru Rukidi IV, the monarch of Uganda’s Tooro Kingdom who became internationally known after ascending the throne at just three years old, has died at the age of 34.

The king reportedly died at about 10pm local time on Thursday, according to the Prime Minister of the Tooro Kingdom, Calvin Armstrong Rwomiire Akiiki, who announced the monarch’s death in a post on X.

“It is with profound sadness and a heavy heart that I announce the passing of His Majesty the Omukama of Tooro, King Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru Rukidi IV,” Akiiki said.

No official cause of death had been announced as of the time of the statement.

Oyo became the king of Tooro on September 12, 1995, following the death of his father, Rukirabasaija Patrick David Matthew Kaboyo Olimi III.

His accession at the age of three made him the world’s youngest reigning monarch at the time and attracted international attention to the Tooro Kingdom in western Uganda, near the border with the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Tooro is one of Uganda’s traditional kingdoms restored under the country’s republican system. Although the kingdoms have no formal political authority, they continue to play significant cultural and social roles.

Shortly before the announcement of Oyo’s death, Ugandan government minister Balaam Barugahara had revealed that the monarch was receiving medical treatment in the United States.

Akiiki described his death as “an immeasurable loss” but assured that the kingdom’s succession remained secure, noting that the late monarch had left an heir.

Oyo, who was unmarried, remained an influential cultural figure throughout his reign and was widely respected for his efforts to preserve and promote the traditions of the Tooro people.

His death has sparked widespread mourning across Uganda, with political leaders, public figures and citizens paying tribute to the late monarch and offering condolences to the royal family and the people of Tooro.

Ugandan opposition figure and musician Bobi Wine also mourned the king.

“Most devastating news! May His Majesty the King’s soul rest in eternal peace,” Bobi Wine wrote on X.

Uganda’s Youngest King, Oyo Nyimba Rukidi IV, Dies at 34

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