King Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru Rukidi IV, the traditional ruler of Uganda’s Tooro Kingdom who became the world’s youngest reigning monarch after ascending the throne at the age of three, has died at 34.

The monarch died on Thursday, according to the Prime Minister of the Tooro Kingdom, Calvin Armstrong Rwomiire Akiiki, who announced his death on Friday.

The cause of death was not immediately disclosed.

However, Ugandan media reports quoted a government minister as saying that the king had been critically ill and was receiving medical treatment in the United States.

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Announcing his death, Akiiki described the monarch’s passing as an “immeasurable loss” to the royal family and the people of Tooro.

He called on the people of Tooro to remain united, calm and prayerful as the kingdom mourns the death of its monarch.

“May His Majesty the King rest in eternal peace,” the Prime Minister said.

Oyo became king in 1995 following the death of his father, King Patrick Matthew Kaboyo Rukidi III.

He was only three years old at the time of his succession.

Because of his young age, a regency was established to oversee the affairs of the kingdom, with the Queen Mother among those involved in managing the traditional institution until Oyo reached adulthood.

The late monarch was formally crowned at the age of 18 in 2010.

Guinness World Records recognised Oyo as the world’s youngest reigning monarch, a title he held after inheriting the throne as a toddler.

The Tooro Kingdom, also known as Toro, is one of Uganda’s traditional kingdoms and is located in the western part of the country. Although Uganda operates a presidential system and traditional kingdoms have no constitutional political authority, they continue to wield significant cultural influence.

Oyo was the 13th monarch of Tooro, a kingdom founded in the early 19th century.

During his 31-year reign, the king became a prominent cultural figure in Uganda and was associated with initiatives focused on youth empowerment, education, climate conservation and HIV/AIDS awareness.

His death has triggered tributes from traditional institutions across Uganda, including the Buganda Kingdom, the country’s largest and most influential traditional institution.

The Buganda Kingdom expressed condolences to the people of Tooro, describing the late monarch as a valuable figure to Uganda.

Despite Oyo’s death, the Tooro Kingdom said the royal succession remains assured.

According to Akiiki, the late king left behind a son who will serve as his heir, although the identity of the prince will be formally announced at the appropriate time in line with the customs and traditions of the Tooro Kingdom.

“The continuity of the Crown is assured,” Akiiki said.

“His Majesty leaves behind a Prince as his heir, whose identity will be formally revealed at the appropriate time, in accordance with the traditions and customs of Tooro Kingdom.”

Oyo’s death brings to an end an unusual royal journey that began when he inherited the throne as a three-year-old child and continued through his adulthood.

His transition from child monarch to an influential traditional leader made him one of Uganda’s most recognisable royal figures.

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