Minister for the Presidency Milly Babirye Babalanda has urged the people of Tooro to turn the death of His Royal Highness Rukirabasaija Omukama Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru IV into an opportunity for renewal, reconciliation and unity.
Babalanda made the call in an official eulogy to the departed king ahead of his burial at Karambi Royal Tombs in Fort Portal, Saturday.
According to the minister, who was also part of the national organizing committee which spearheaded preparations for the late young monarch’s official burial, the most befitting tribute the Batooro can pay to their departed King is to preserve the unity, peace, dignity and stability of Tooro Kingdom.
“Political and institutional disagreements are bound to occur in any society. However, such differences should never become greater than the interests of the people and the future of the institutions. Let the death of King Oyo become a moment of renewal, unity and reconciliation for the Batooro,” she said.
Babalanda expressed sadness at Oyo’s untimely passing, saying his demise was not merely the loss of a young monarch, but also the loss of a leader whose relatively short life had left a remarkable mark on Tooro, Uganda and beyond.
She described the late King as a son, friend, global icon and “the people’s King”, noting that he had used his position to promote tourism, sports, education and youth empowerment.
According to Babalanda, King Oyo was particularly passionate about young people and sought to inspire them to appreciate their potential while promoting the beauty, culture and development of Tooro and Uganda.
“Above all, King Oyo had love and empathy for his people. He understood that royalty is not merely about occupying a throne; it is about touching lives, giving hope and serving humanity,” she said.
The Minister conveyed condolences from the Government of Uganda to the Batooro, the Royal Family and all Ugandans over the loss.
She also comforted the Queen Mother, Best Kemigisa, describing the loss of a beloved son as a pain that words could hardly express.
Babalanda prayed for God to give the Queen Mother strength, courage and comfort, while also asking for divine guidance and strength for the entire Tooro Kingdom, particularly the young generation that looked up to King Oyo as a source of inspiration.
She commended President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni for according the late King an official burial befitting his stature and contribution to Uganda.
Babalanda noted that President Museveni had played an important role in King Oyo’s life, serving as constitutional Regent and guardian during the King’s early years and mentoring him into a servant leader.
“He guided him, exposed him to national and international responsibilities, and helped him understand that leadership is ultimately about service to the people,” she said.
The Minister also commended the National Organising Committee for its efforts in preparing the final send-off, describing the arrangements as orderly, dignified and befitting a King who was loved by many.
She singled out the Chief of Defence Forces, Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba, and the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) for their contribution towards the funeral arrangements, including ensuring that mourners were well catered for.
Babalanda further thanked the thousands of Batooro and friends of Tooro who travelled from different parts of Uganda and beyond to stand with the Royal Family during the difficult period.
She urged the people of Tooro to carry forward the values that King Oyo represented, including love for the people, service, compassion, youth empowerment, preservation of culture and development.
The Minister said that although King Oyo’s reign was relatively short, his impact had been significant.
“As we return our King to his Maker, may we remember that his reign was short, but his footprint was deep,” Babalanda said.
She said preserving the late King’s legacy would require the people of Tooro to remain united and committed to building a peaceful, stable and prosperous kingdom for present and future generations.
“The most sincere and befitting tribute we can give to King Oyo, the people’s King, is to preserve the unity, peace, dignity and stability of Tooro,” she said.
