Parliament has paid tribute to the late Omukama Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru Rukidi IV, remembering him as a symbol of unity, continuity and cultural identity for the people of Tooro and a monarch whose leadership helped demonstrate how cultural institutions can adapt to the demands of the modern era.
Moving a motion to honour the fallen monarch on Thursday, September 3, Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja commended King Oyo for his contribution to education, agriculture, health, environmental conservation and tourism.
Nabbanja highlighted the work of the King Oyo Foundation, which provided scholarships for underprivileged children and young people at primary and secondary school levels.
She also credited the late king with supporting efforts to revive agriculture in Tooro and complementing government programmes aimed at improving child health and nutrition.
“Omukama Oyo Nyimba was a dedicated champion of the youth in the fight against HIV and AIDS, having been designated in 2016 as champion among young people in Eastern and Southern Africa by UNAIDS,” Nabbanja said.
“In this capacity, he consistently advocated for the prevention of new HIV infections, the elimination of mother-to-child transmission of HIV and the engagement of men and boys in the response to HIV and AIDS.”
The Prime Minister also described Oyo as an environmental campaigner who promoted climate action and conservation.
She said the late monarch spearheaded a campaign to plant more than 10 million trees and efforts to protect the heavily polluted River Mpanga.
Beyond his work within Tooro, Nabbanja said Oyo used his international profile to promote Uganda as a tourism destination.
“As a global tourism ambassador, King Oyo climbed the Rwenzori Mountain in full royal regalia to Margherita peak and also tracked mountain gorillas which helped to showcase Uganda’s tourism potential,” she said.
A delegation from the Tooro Kingdom attended the parliamentary session from the VIP gallery as legislators debated the motion.
The Leader of the Opposition, Joel Ssenyonyi, in a statement presented by Patrick Oshabe, also praised Oyo for balancing his role as a cultural leader with his Christian faith.
Oshabe said the late king demonstrated that the two aspects of his identity could coexist without undermining either his faith or his responsibilities to the Tooro people.
“He did not see these responsibilities as conflicting. His faith informed the way he served as a cultural leader while his role as Omukama remained firmly rooted in the traditions of his people. Throughout his reign, he demonstrated that Christian conviction and respect to the Tooro heritage could co-exist,” Oshabe said.
Mwenge County North MP Lawrence Akugizibwe said Oyo was also an advocate for healthy living and preventive healthcare, particularly at a time when non-communicable diseases such as cancer, diabetes and heart disease are increasingly affecting Ugandans.
Akugizibwe called for the establishment of a specialised cancer facility in honour of the late king.
“After the loss of His Majesty, we must transform his personal battle into a lasting public contribution. I therefore urge this House and government to support the establishment of King Oyo Nyimba Cancer Institute in Fort Portal to strengthen our national response to cancer,” he said.
Kyenjojo District MP Spellanza Baguma highlighted Oyo’s concern for children, recalling his efforts to mobilise funds for the construction of a children’s hospital at Nyatungo in Kyenjojo District.
“The King of Tooro started a fundraising drive to construct a children’s hospital at Nyatungo in Kyenjojo District because he loved children so much, having ascended the throne as a child. I request that government carries this project forward,” Baguma said.
Legislators also recognised the role played by the regents who cared for Oyo during his formative years, including President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, Buganda’s Kabaka Ronald Mwenda Mutebi II and Queen Best Kemigisha.
State Minister for Gender and Culture Mary Kuteesa thanked President Museveni for his role in Oyo’s upbringing and preparation for leadership.
“As the people of Tooro, we would like to thank the President of Uganda for raising a son and a king. He walked with him through school and military training, and prepared him to be the great leader we have lost,” Kuteesa said.
Kuteesa also announced that the late monarch will be laid to rest on Saturday, September 12, 2026 — a date that would have marked his 31st coronation anniversary.
Fort Portal City MP Irene Linda and Burahya County MP Joseph Mugyenyi also commended Oyo for providing land for the proposed Buhinga Football Stadium.
They called on the Government to advance the project and consider renaming the facility King Oyo International Stadium in his memory.
Hoima City Woman MP Asinansi Nyakato, meanwhile, urged the Government to support the revival of cultural sites across Tooro, arguing that their restoration could strengthen tourism and benefit communities in the districts historically associated with the kingdom.
The tributes reflected the breadth of Oyo’s public role — from education and healthcare to environmental conservation, tourism and cultural leadership — as Parliament joined the people of Tooro in mourning a king whose reign began in childhood and continued into adulthood.
For many of the legislators who spoke, the task now is not only to remember the late monarch but also to preserve and build on the initiatives he championed during his reign.