Vice President Jessica Alupo Eulogizes King Oyo

Vice President Jessica Alupo described the late Omukama Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru Rukidi IV as a young monarch whose influence reached far beyond the preservation of Tooro culture. Speaking at Karuzika Palace in Fort Portal City, where she joined the royal family and mourners, Alupo said a leader’s true measure lies in the positive impact they make, not the length of their time in office.

King Oyo died at 34, but Alupo said his work in tourism, education, health, environmental conservation, youth empowerment and community development left a lasting mark on Uganda. He ascended the Tooro throne at the age of three and grew into a respected monarch who carried his subjects’ hopes and aspirations with dignity and commitment.

Alupo said Oyo became a symbol of Tooro’s cultural heritage, identity and unity. She also pointed to his example as evidence that cultural institutions can contribute to the social and economic transformation of communities. She urged the people of Tooro to remain united, peaceful and strong during the mourning period, and to reflect on the importance of respecting cultural institutions and preserving Uganda’s heritage.

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The true measure of a leader is the positive impact they make rather than the length of time they spend in office.

Mourners continue to flock to Karuzika Palace to pay their final respects. Tooro Kingdom spokesperson Vincent Mugume said public viewing began on Saturday and remains open to everyone from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day until Friday. Visitors cannot photograph the king’s body or casket.

Allen Musimenta said viewing the body finally made the king’s death real to her. Nicholas Turyahabwe, who travelled from Mbarara District, called the opportunity a privilege. David Magezi said the process remained calm and dismissed claims that ordinary people were barred from viewing the body. He also challenged superstitions that viewing a king’s body could bring curses.

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It was my first time to pay respects to a king and it is an experience I will carry with me for the rest of my life.