President Museveni Leads Solemn Reception for King Oyo's Body

President Yoweri Museveni was at Entebbe International Airport to receive the body of His Majesty King Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru Rukidi IV. The arrival of the aircraft carrying the late Tooro monarch was met with a solemn reception ceremony.

President Museveni described King Oyo as a “good person and leader” whose death has cast a pall over the nation. He recalled his long-standing relationship with the Tooro Royal Family and shared his personal involvement in seeking specialized medical treatment for the King, who had been battling aggressive cancer.

“We looked after him, we took him to school, and he grew up, but now the Lord has taken him,” President Museveni stated, reflecting on the unsuccessful attempts to treat the King’s illness, which included care in Germany and the United States.

The ceremony at the VIP Terminal saw the casket, draped in the national colours and those of Tooro Kingdom, carried through a guard of honour by the Uganda Police. President Museveni laid a wreath as solemn hymns were played. Members of the Tooro Royal Family, led by the Queen Mother, government officials, and religious leaders also paid their respects.

Following the airport ceremony, the body was flown by helicopter towards Kyegegwa District, marking the beginning of the final journey home for King Oyo. Preparations are underway for his official burial, scheduled for September 12, which would have coincided with the 31st anniversary of his coronation.

Source: State House (Uganda) https://statehouse.go.ug/president-museveni-receives-king-oyos-body-hails-his-leadership