The Minister of Local Government, Hon. Barugahara Balaam, has assured the nation that a clear traditional succession system will guide Tooro Kingdom following the death of Omukama Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru Rukidi IV.
Addressing Parliament during a special sitting convened on Thursday to pay tribute to the fallen monarch, Balaam called on the subjects of Tooro to remain calm and peaceful throughout the mourning period. He urged the public to respect the kingdom’s leadership structures and traditional authorities handling the transition.
"I want to give the Batoro a message that we have a system as Banyoro-Batoro how succession is conducted. So we should remain calm and respectful during this mourning time," Balaam stated.
The minister appealed to the public to grant the Queen Mother, Nyinamukama, the necessary dignity as she prepares to send off her son. He further urged citizens to respect the Prime Minister (Omuhikirwa), the head of the royal clan (Omusuga), and other Tooro leaders as they perform their respective administrative and cultural duties.
In his address, Balaam extended gratitude to President Yoweri Museveni for supporting the late Omukama from childhood through his reign. He also commended the Chief of Defence Forces and Chairman of the Patriot League of Uganda (PLU), General Muhoozi Kainerugaba, for deploying military engineers to fix royal palace infrastructure, improve access roads, and bolster security during the funeral arrangements.
The parliamentary session, presided over by Speaker Jacob Marksons Oboth, brought together lawmakers and a delegation from Tooro Kingdom to honor the monarch. Prime Minister Rt. Hon. Robinah Nabbanja moved the motion to eulogize King Oyo, describing him as a developmental ruler who championed youth education through the King Oyo Foundation, advocated for environmental conservation, and served as a global tourism ambassador.
State Minister for Gender and Culture, Hon. Mary Kuteesa, confirmed that Omukama Oyo will be laid to rest on Saturday, September 12, 2026, a date that marks his 31st coronation anniversary.
