“Support Arsenal to Honour King Oyo”, Archbishop’s Funeral Remark Sparks Mixed Reactions

Archbishop Stephen Kaziimba’s call to support Arsenal in honour of King Oyo has generated mixed reactions online.

A remark by the Archbishop of the Church of Uganda, Stephen Kaziimba Mugalu, encouraging people to support Arsenal in honour of the late King Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru Rukidi IV has sparked mixed reactions online.

Kaziimba made the comment on Saturday during the funeral service for King Oyo at St John’s Cathedral in Fort Portal, Uganda, as he spoke about the late monarch’s passion for sports.

“Let us promote sports, because he loved sports so much. He supported local tournaments, he supported the Uganda Cranes. Above all, he supported Arsenal. So, if you want to follow his legacy, support Arsenal, all of you,” the Archbishop said, drawing laughter and applause from mourners.

The comment was made as part of a broader appeal for the people of Tooro to preserve the late king’s legacy by continuing to support causes he promoted during his reign, including tourism, agriculture and sport.

However, reactions to the Arsenal remark were divided after the comment circulated on social media.

Some users welcomed the Archbishop’s words, with one commenter writing, “Arsenal oveeeee!!!! We need to win the Champions League to honour our King!!!”

Another user said, “In Omusuga’s voice all of us to support Arsenal! Nangwa,” appearing to embrace the Archbishop’s appeal.

Others took the comment humorously, with one user writing that supporting Arsenal was like “standing in the mid of the road when the big lorry is coming your way.”

Another commenter joked that it was unfortunate that King Oyo died without seeing Arsenal win the UEFA Champions League.

However, not everyone found the remark appropriate.

One user criticised the timing, writing, “I support Arsenal but this is nonsense at this time!”

Another questioned why football was being discussed during a funeral, saying the Archbishop should have been addressing more serious issues instead.

Other comments were more critical of Kaziimba personally, with some users describing the remark as inappropriate given the solemn nature of the occasion.

The reactions highlight the different ways people interpreted the Archbishop’s attempt to connect King Oyo’s sporting interests with his broader legacy.

King Oyo was known for his interest in sports and was particularly associated with Arsenal. During the funeral, Kaziimba also recalled the late monarch’s support for local sporting activities and the Uganda Cranes.

The Archbishop’s wider message, however, focused on unity and continuing the work King Oyo promoted during his reign. He urged the people of Tooro to remain united in grief and use the period to advance causes associated with the late monarch.

“In grief, unity is so key. Grief shouldn’t divide us; grief should bind us,” Kaziimba said during the burial service.

King Oyo was buried on Saturday at the Karambi Royal Tombs following a funeral service attended by thousands of mourners. He died in the United States on August 27 at the age of 34 after receiving cancer treatment.

The late monarch ascended the Tooro throne in 1995 at the age of three and became known internationally as the world’s youngest reigning monarch at the time. His death was followed by a succession dispute within the royal family, with clan elders selecting Prince Edward Rukidi Kijanangoma as his successor while members of Oyo’s family contested the decision.

Uganda’s King Oyo Buried as Dispute Over His Successor Deepens

Thousands of mourners gathered in Fort Portal as King Oyo of Tooro was buried amid a dispute over his succession.

Uganda’s King Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru Rukidi IV has been buried in Fort Portal, days after a dispute emerged over who should succeed him as monarch of the Tooro Kingdom.

Oyo, who was 34, died in the United States last month while undergoing cancer treatment. He had ruled Tooro, one of Uganda’s traditional kingdoms, since becoming king at the age of three.

Thousands of mourners lined the streets of Fort Portal on Saturday as the late king’s casket was taken to the royal tombs, where a private burial ceremony was held.

Oyo became Tooro’s monarch as a toddler and was recognised by Guinness World Records as the world’s youngest reigning monarch during his reign.

The burial took place against the backdrop of an unresolved succession dispute involving members of the royal family and the Babiito clan, which oversees the traditional succession process.

TV news presenter Prince Edward Rukidi Kijanangoma, 56, was named as the next monarch by clan elders. During the burial ceremony, he reportedly cast nine coffee beans into Oyo’s grave, a traditional ritual understood to signify the end of one reign and the beginning of another.

However, members of Oyo’s family have rejected Kijanangoma’s selection.

Oyo’s sister, Princess Ruth Komuntale, said the late king had left a will in 2022 naming his young son as his successor. The identity of the child has not been publicly disclosed.

The succession dispute also led to concerns within the royal family over security arrangements at the palace.

Queen Best Kemigisa, Oyo’s mother, said royal guards had been withdrawn from the palace and replaced with soldiers. She described the situation as “house arrest”, saying the development restricted the royal family’s movement and ability to receive visitors.

The Archbishop of the Church of Uganda, Stephen Kazimba Mugalu, called for unity during Saturday’s burial ceremony, warning that disagreements surrounding the succession could damage the legacy of the late king.

“Words spoken in grief can cause pain, division and conflict. It can even destroy the legacy of the king we are mourning,” he told mourners.

Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni also urged those involved to resolve the succession dispute and prioritise unity.

The Babiito royal clan, however, defended its decision to name Kijanangoma as the next monarch.

Omusuuga Charles Karumasi, head of the Babiito royal clan, said the succession process had been conducted in accordance with Tooro’s culture and traditions.

“We have done everything in observance of the culture and traditions of Tooro. We must all preserve peace and serenity,” Karumasi said.

Tooro is one of Uganda’s traditional kingdoms. The kingdoms were abolished by the government in 1967 and restored in the 1990s under President Museveni. Their monarchs are recognised as cultural leaders rather than political rulers.

With the burial of King Oyo now completed, attention is expected to remain focused on the competing claims surrounding the future leadership of the Tooro Kingdom.

Phones, Bags Banned at Karuziika Palace Ahead of King Oyo’s Burial

Karuziika Palace has introduced restrictions on phones and personal belongings as the Tooro Kingdom prepares for King Oyo’s burial.

Phones and bags have been banned inside Karuziika Palace in Fort Portal as the Tooro Kingdom steps up security ahead of the burial of the late King Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru Rukidi IV.

The restrictions apply to mourners and members of the public visiting the palace to pay their final respects to the late Omukama, whose body has been lying in state ahead of his burial.

Officials overseeing the funeral arrangements said visitors entering the viewing area are not allowed to carry mobile phones or other personal belongings.

The decision followed concerns over the recording and circulation of images of the late King’s body on social media.

Members of the public have been advised to leave their phones and other belongings behind before entering the designated viewing area.

Other items reportedly restricted from the viewing area include watches, eyeglasses, pens and bags.

The measures are part of arrangements to maintain order and protect the dignity of the late King during the final period of public viewing.

The public viewing is expected to end on Friday, September 11, ahead of the main burial ceremonies scheduled for Saturday, September 12.

King Oyo’s body is expected to be taken from Karuziika Palace to St John’s Cathedral in Fort Portal for the main funeral service before being transported to the Karambi Royal Tombs, where he will be laid to rest.

The late King Oyo died in the United States on August 27, 2026, at the age of 34. He became the Omukama of Tooro in 1995 at the age of three and remained on the throne for more than three decades.

His burial is expected to draw dignitaries, members of the Tooro royal family and mourners from across Uganda and beyond.

No Sex During King Oyo’s Mourning: Tooro Kingdom Announces 9-Day Rules

The Tooro Kingdom in western Uganda has announced a series of traditional mourning practices ahead of the burial of its late monarch, King Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru Rukidi IV.

The King’s burial has been scheduled for September 12, 2026, at the Karambi Royal Tombs in Fort Portal, marking the end of the nine-day official mourning period.

As the kingdom prepares for the final rites, members of the Babiito royal clan have outlined traditional practices expected to be observed during the mourning period.

One of the notable restrictions is a prohibition on sexual intimacy. Men have been instructed to leave their marital beds and refrain from sexual relations with their wives throughout the official mourning period.

Farming has also been suspended for the nine days of mourning. According to the traditional guidelines, the suspension is part of the customary way of honouring a deceased monarch.

The kingdom has also called for a reduction in entertainment activities, with bars and other venues expected to avoid loud music and activities considered inappropriate during the period of mourning.

Some traditional items, including drums and spears, are expected to be turned upside down as a symbolic expression of grief and respect for the late King.

Mourners and members of the public who intend to participate in the King’s final journey have also been encouraged to observe appropriate dress and conduct. Traditional attire, including kanzus for men and suukas for women, is encouraged as part of the cultural observance.

King Oyo’s remains are expected to be taken to Karuziika Palace, where members of the public will have an opportunity to pay their final respects during the mourning period. Prayers and other traditional activities are also expected to take place at the palace.

The kingdom has urged mourners to maintain peace, order and respect throughout the ceremonies as security and logistical arrangements continue around the palace and funeral route.

The authorities have also introduced guidelines for journalists, photographers and social media content creators covering the funeral, urging them to respect the privacy and dignity of the royal family and mourners.

Media coverage is being coordinated through the Uganda Media Centre, with accreditation and other arrangements put in place for those covering the ceremonies.

King Oyo died at the age of 34 after a period of illness while receiving medical care in the United States. He had been on the Tooro throne since September 12, 1995, when he was only three years old.

Interestingly, his burial date coincides with the anniversary of his coronation. September 12, 2026, will mark 31 years since he was installed as the Omukama of Tooro.

His burial will therefore not only bring the official nine-day mourning period to an end but will also mark the closing chapter of a 31-year reign that began when he was a child.

The Tooro Kingdom is expected to begin a succession process following the burial, with the Babiito royal clan responsible for overseeing the traditional procedures for identifying the next Omukama.

As preparations continue, the kingdom has called on residents, visitors and all those taking part in the ceremonies to respect the traditional mourning rules and ensure that King Oyo’s final journey is conducted with dignity and according to Tooro customs.

World’s Youngest Reigning Monarch King Oyo Dies at 34 After 31 Years on Tooro Throne

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 just three years old, has died at the age of 34.

The Tooro Kingdom confirmed his death after Prime Minister Calvin Armstrong Rwomiire Akiiki announced that the monarch died at approximately 10:00 p.m. on Thursday, August 27, 2026, while undergoing medical treatment in the United States. 

The circumstances surrounding his death have not been officially disclosed. Earlier on Thursday, reports of his death had circulated on social media before authorities confirmed that he was critically ill and receiving treatment abroad. The kingdom later formally announced his passing.

Akiiki described the death as an “immeasurable loss” to the royal family, the people of Tooro and Uganda, while appealing to the people of the kingdom to remain united, calm and prayerful during the mourning period. 

King Oyo was born on April 16, 1992, and became Omukama, or King, of Tooro on September 12, 1995, following the death of his father, King Patrick David Matthew Kaboyo Olimi III. He was only three years old at the time. 

Because of his young age, a regency was established to oversee the kingdom until he became old enough to assume full responsibilities. Among those involved in his guardianship was Uganda’s President Yoweri Museveni, alongside Queen Mother Best Kemigisa, Princess Elizabeth Bagaaya and Buganda’s King Ronald Muwenda Mutebi II. 

Oyo formally assumed the full duties of the monarchy when he turned 18 in 2010. His unusual journey from a three-year-old child king to an adult traditional ruler made him one of Uganda’s most recognisable royal figures.

His status as the world’s youngest reigning monarch also brought him international attention from childhood. Despite being a traditional ruler rather than a political head of state, he became an important cultural figure in Uganda.

The Tooro Kingdom is one of Uganda’s historic traditional institutions. Although Uganda operates as a republic under an elected government and traditional kingdoms do not exercise constitutional political authority, they continue to play important cultural and social roles. 

During his nearly 31-year reign, King Oyo was associated with initiatives involving youth empowerment, education, environmental conservation, tourism and cultural preservation. He was also regarded as a bridge between traditional institutions and younger generations.

His death has triggered condolences from other Ugandan traditional institutions, including the Buganda Kingdom and the Busoga monarchy. Tributes have described him as a cultural leader who contributed to preserving Tooro’s heritage and promoting the interests of its people. 

The Tooro Kingdom has also moved to reassure the public that the institution will continue despite the monarch’s death.

According to Prime Minister Akiiki, King Oyo left behind a son who will serve as his heir. However, the kingdom said the identity of the prince and the details of the succession will be formally announced at the appropriate time in accordance with Tooro traditions and customs. 

“The continuity of the Crown is assured,” the kingdom stated.

The death brings an extraordinary 31-year chapter of Tooro history to an end. Oyo inherited the throne as a toddler and remained its monarch through childhood, adolescence and adulthood, making his reign one of the most unusual royal stories in modern Africa.

He was unmarried at the time of his death but had a son who is now expected to become central to the future of the Tooro royal institution.

Uganda and the people of Tooro are now mourning a monarch whose life was defined by an extraordinary beginning, becoming king at three, and an equally remarkable journey into adulthood as one of Africa’s best-known traditional rulers.