Uganda’s King Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru Rukidi IV, who was recognised as the world’s youngest reigning monarch after ascending the throne at the age of three, has died at 34.
The Tooro Kingdom announced his death in a statement late Thursday, saying the monarch died at about 10 p.m.
“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,” the kingdom’s Prime Minister (Omuhikirwa) said.
King Oyo succeeded his father, who died of a heart attack in 1995. However, he was formally crowned after turning 18.
Guinness World Records recognised him last year as the world’s youngest reigning monarch.
The king died while receiving treatment in the United States after weeks of reports about his deteriorating health, according to local media.
Background of Tooro Kingdom
The Tooro Kingdom is located in western Uganda and has a population of about 2.1 million people.
Uganda is a republic headed by President Yoweri Museveni but officially recognises traditional kingdoms, which largely serve as cultural institutions with limited political powers.
Africa currently has three sovereign monarchies — Eswatini, Lesotho and Morocco. Several other African countries, including Uganda, recognise traditional kingdoms and other forms of customary leadership without granting them sovereign political authority.
King Oyo’s death brings an end to a reign that began when he was just three years old and made him a global symbol of young traditional leadership.
