Muslim leaders mourn King Oyo
By Ahmed Idriss
Uganda’s Muslim leadership has joined the people of Tooro in mourning the death of Omukama Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru Rukidi IV, describing the 34-year-old monarch’s death as a painful loss to the Royal Family and the country.
On Tuesday, Deputy Mufti of Uganda Sheikh Muhammad Ali Waiswa signed the condolence book on behalf of Mufti Sheikh Shaban Ramadhan Mubaje and the wider Muslim community during a visit to the late King’s residence in Buziga, Kampala.
The visit brought together senior officials from the Uganda Muslim Supreme Council (UMSC), who conveyed condolences to the Tooro Kingdom and expressed solidarity with the royal family at a time of national mourning.
In a two-page condolence message, Mufti Mubaje acknowledged the shock of the King’s death while urging acceptance of what he described as the decree of Almighty Allah.
“The passing of King Oyo at such a tender age is painful and difficult to comprehend. Nevertheless, we submit to the decree of Almighty Allah,” the Mufti said.
The message also reflected on King Oyo’s important place in Uganda’s history. He ascended the Tooro throne in 1995 at just three years old, becoming one of the world’s youngest monarchs and growing into the role over nearly three decades.
Mubaje said the King carried the responsibility of preserving the crown, the cultural heritage and dignity of the Tooro Kingdom while promoting unity, peace and harmonious coexistence among Ugandans.
The Muslim leader also highlighted King Oyo’s public engagements beyond the kingdom, particularly his efforts in the fight against HIV/AIDS, environmental conservation, sports and youth empowerment.
“His passing is a great loss not only to the Royal Family but also to all Ugandans,” the Mufti said, praying for strength and comfort for the royal family during the mourning period.
The UMSC delegation was received by Tooro Kingdom officials and later met the Kingdom’s Prime Minister, Omuhikirwa Calvin Armstrong Rwomiire Akiiki.
Rwomiire thanked the Muslim leadership for the message and shared with the delegation some of his final moments with the late monarch.
He also said the Kingdom would continue updating the public as preparations for the King’s burial progress.
SUPREME MUFTI MOURNS OYO
In a related development, Sheikh Shaban Galabuzi, the Supreme Mufti of Uganda, has joined the people of Tooro in mourning the death of Omukama Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru Rukidi IV, who died on August 27, 2026, in the United States.
The Supreme Mufti conveyed his condolences to the Tooro Kingdom, describing the late monarch as a leader who left a lasting legacy.
He particularly recognised King Oyo’s advocacy on environmental conservation and climate change, issues that have become increasingly relevant as Ugandans contend with changing weather patterns and prolonged dry spells.
The Supreme Mufti prayed for comfort for the royal family and the people of Tooro during the period of mourning.
