Tooro Kingdom Prime Minister Calvin Armstrong Rwomiire Akiiki has broken his silence on the circumstances surrounding the late Omukama Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru Rukidi IV’s final days abroad, saying information that the King was studying and was in good health was communicated strictly in accordance with the monarch’s wishes.
Rwomiire made the clarification in a statement to the people of Tooro as preparations intensify to receive the body of the late King and accord him a dignified burial.
The Prime Minister called for restraint among Kingdom leaders, politicians, cultural leaders, public officials, journalists and social media users, warning that disagreements and speculation could deepen divisions within the Kingdom at a time of mourning.
“We have lost our King. We have lost a son of Tooro whose life, leadership and service carried the name of our Kingdom far beyond our borders,” Rwomiire said.
He urged the people of Tooro to put aside competing narratives and concentrate on organising a dignified farewell for the monarch.
‘The information was according to his wishes’
Addressing questions that have emerged over the communication about King Oyo’s condition while he was abroad, Rwomiire said he had a responsibility to respect the King’s privacy.
He explained that the public was informed that the monarch was abroad for studies and later that he was well because that was in line with the King’s “express wishes and direction.”
“As someone serving him, it was my responsibility to respect his wishes and protect his privacy. I did so faithfully and respectfully,” he said.
Rwomiire also said he was confident that the late King had acted in good faith because he believed he was recovering and was looking forward to returning to Uganda and reuniting with his subjects for the 31st Empango celebrations.
According to the Prime Minister, the King did not want information about his health to cause unnecessary alarm among his people.
The explanation comes amid questions and public discussion over the circumstances surrounding the monarch’s stay abroad and the information that was communicated to the public before his death.
Questions to wait until after burial
Rather than engage in a public debate over the circumstances surrounding the King’s final days, Rwomiire said the issues should be addressed at an appropriate time and through the proper forum after the burial.
“Other matters have also been raised. This is neither the time nor the place to debate them,” he said.
He warned that allowing such issues to dominate the mourning period could distract the Kingdom from its immediate responsibility of receiving and laying its King to rest.
“There will be a proper time and forum, after His Majesty has been laid to rest, to address any matters that require clarification. For now, everything else is secondary,” he added.
Warning against ‘posturing’
The Prime Minister’s statement also appeared aimed at cooling tensions and preventing internal disagreements from escalating during the funeral period.
He said moments of grief require leadership rather than political or personal posturing, urging leaders to focus on organising the funeral and protecting the dignity of the institution.
“Moments like these require leadership, not posturing. They require less talking and more organising,” he said.
Rwomiire urged Batooro to demonstrate what he described as the Kingdom’s traditional values of dignity, respect, unity and love for Tooro.
He further cautioned those using social media against making statements that could inflame tensions.
“Words spoken in moments of grief can deepen divisions that may take years to repair,” he warned.
Royal family urged to be left alone
The Prime Minister also appealed to the public and the media to respect the privacy of the Royal Family and people who were closest to the late King.
He said their grief was deeply personal and they should be allowed to mourn without pressure, intrusion or speculation.
The appeal comes as attention remains focused on the royal family and the arrangements for the late monarch’s return and burial in Tooro.
‘Tooro must come first’
Rwomiire said the manner in which the people of Tooro conduct themselves during the mourning period will form part of the Kingdom’s history.
He urged all Batooro to unite behind the responsibility of giving their King a peaceful and honourable farewell.
“Our duty now is simple: to receive our King with honour, lay him to rest with dignity, and stand together as one people,” he said.
He added that future generations would remember not only that Tooro lost its King, but also how the Kingdom responded to the loss.
“Let them remember a people who chose unity over division, service over posturing, and leadership over controversy,” Rwomiire said.
He concluded with a direct appeal to the Kingdom: “In all that we say and do, Tooro must come first.”
