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 age three, has died at 34.
The Prime Minister of Tooro Kingdom, Calvin Akiiki, announced the monarch’s death on Friday, saying he died at about 10 p.m. local time on Thursday. No cause of death was immediately disclosed, although a Ugandan government minister had earlier said the king was receiving treatment in the United States.
Rukidi IV became King of Tooro on Sept. 12, 1995, following the death of his father, King Rukirabasaija Patrick David Matthew Kaboyo Olimi III. Although Uganda’s traditional monarchies have largely symbolic political powers, their rulers retain significant cultural and social influence within their communities.
The king’s death has triggered an outpouring of tributes across Uganda, with political leaders and citizens mourning his passing. Tooro’s Prime Minister said the monarch’s death was an “immeasurable loss” but assured that the continuity of the crown was secured, as the king had left an heir.
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