Thousands of people gathered in Uganda on Saturday to pay their final respects to King Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru Rukidi IV, once recognised as the world’s youngest monarch.

The ruler of the Tooro Kingdom died recently at the age of 34 while receiving cancer treatment in the United States.

Oyo ascended to the throne at the age of three and reigned for 31 years. He was formally crowned as an adult at 18 in 2010 and held the Guinness World Records title as the youngest reigning monarch.

His death has sparked a succession dispute within the royal family. A selection committee from the Babiito royal clan announced Prince Edward Rukidi Kijanangoma, a news anchor, as the chosen successor. However, the late king’s sister, Princess Ruth Komuntale, opposed the decision and produced a will she said named a biological son as heir.

The Queen Mother and other family members have also raised concerns over their treatment during the process. At the burial ceremony in Fort Portal, President Yoweri Museveni called for unity and urged the people of Tooro to resolve the matter through peaceful and lawful means.

The Babiito clan defended its choice, saying it followed cultural traditions. Uganda officially recognises traditional kingdoms as cultural institutions with limited political power.

Photo credit: Punch Newspaper