King Oyo of Uganda’s Tooro Kingdom, once recognized as the world’s youngest reigning monarch, has died at the age of 34.
The kingdom announced his death late Thursday. Prime Minister Calvin Armstrong Rwomire Akiiki said the king passed away around 10 p.m.
Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru Rukidi IV was born on April 16, 1992. He became king on September 12, 1995, at just three years old after his father died. Guinness World Records later listed him as the youngest reigning monarch in the world.
A group that included his mother, Queen Best Kemigisa, other royals, and Uganda’s president helped run the kingdom until he turned 18.
Tooro is one of Uganda’s traditional kingdoms. They carry cultural weight but hold no formal political power in a country led by an elected president. Oyo’s subjects make up a small share of Uganda’s population.
The kingdom has not released an official cause of death. Reports say he had been fighting cancer and was treated in the United States.
Officials confirmed earlier Thursday that he was critically ill and asked people to pray for him.
In the announcement, the prime minister called the loss immense for the royal family, the people of Tooro, and Uganda. He said the monarchy will continue and that Oyo leaves behind a prince who will become the next king. The prince’s identity will be revealed later, following Tooro tradition.
Funeral details are expected soon.
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