UJU Mourns King Oyo: ‘His Death Is a Wake-Up Call in Uganda’s Fight Against Cancer’

KAMPALA, UGANDA — August 28, 2026 — The Uganda Journalists Union (UJU) has joined the people of Tooro Kingdom and millions of mourners across Uganda in expressing profound sorrow over the death of His Majesty King Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru Rukidi IV, whose passing has cast a deep shadow over the nation.

The Omukama of Tooro Kingdom died at about 10:00 p.m. on Thursday, August 27, 2026, at the age of 34, bringing to an end the life of a young monarch whose reign had come to symbolize continuity, cultural pride and a generation of leadership in modern Uganda.

In a statement issued on Friday, UJU President Evelyne Nalule described the death as a devastating national loss, extending condolences to the Queen Mother, Best Kemigisa, the Royal Family, the people of Tooro and all those who mourn the King.

«“We are deeply shocked and saddened by the sudden passing of His Majesty King Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru Rukidi IV. Losing such a young, vibrant and forward-thinking leader to this terrible illness is a massive blow to our nation,” Nalule said.»

The death of the young Omukama has reverberated far beyond the hills and valleys of Tooro, touching a country where cultural institutions remain powerful custodians of history, identity and community memory. For many Ugandans, the passing of a king is not simply the departure of an individual, but the closing of a chapter in the long story of a people.

UJU said it was particularly saddened by reports that the King succumbed to cancer while undergoing specialized medical treatment in the United States, describing the tragedy as a painful reminder of the growing burden of cancer in Uganda.

UJU Sounds the Alarm on Cancer

Nalule said King Oyo's death should compel Uganda to confront cancer with greater urgency, arguing that the disease has increasingly become a national challenge affecting families regardless of age, status or background.

“Cancer is no longer a distant threat; it is a silent crisis wiping out our people,” Nalule said, warning that the disease is taking away young people, professionals, community leaders and other citizens whose lives still held enormous promise.

She said the loss of the Omukama should become a moment of reflection and action rather than grief alone, calling for stronger national efforts to prevent, detect and treat cancer.

UJU appealed to Uganda's medical professionals, researchers and health workers to strengthen collaboration and intensify efforts to improve cancer prevention, diagnosis and treatment.

The journalists' body also called for increased investment in modern testing facilities so that cancer can be detected at an early stage, when treatment can offer patients a stronger chance of survival.

Government Urged to Take the Fight to Every Village

UJU further called upon the Government of Uganda and the Ministry of Health to expand public awareness campaigns on cancer, saying information about early warning signs, prevention, healthy lifestyles and regular medical check-ups must reach ordinary citizens across the country.

Nalule emphasized that the fight against cancer cannot be left to hospitals and medical professionals alone, but requires a national partnership involving government, the media, researchers, communities and families.

The union pledged that journalists and media organisations would continue using radio, television, newspapers and digital platforms to educate the public and promote life-saving health information.

At the same time, UJU urged the government to strengthen domestic cancer research and establish adequately equipped cancer treatment facilities across Uganda's regions.

The union said Ugandans should not be forced to seek specialized treatment abroad simply because the country lacks adequate facilities, arguing that building stronger local capacity would save lives while reducing the financial and emotional burden on families.

A King Remembered by a Nation

As Tooro prepares to mourn its young monarch, UJU urged journalists covering the death to approach the story with dignity, sensitivity and respect for the traditions of the kingdom and the privacy of the Royal Family.

The union said the media has a responsibility not only to inform the public but also to honour the cultural significance of the moment and give grieving communities space to mourn.

In Tooro, where the institution of the Omukama carries generations of history, the death of King Oyo marks a solemn moment in the kingdom's long cultural journey. His passing has left the kingdom mourning a youthful monarch whose life and reign became intertwined with the hopes of a new generation.

UJU concluded its message with words drawn from the cultural language of mourning and remembrance:

“Omukama Atulize. Enkuba Etutire.”

As Uganda bows its head in mourning, the Uganda Journalists Union said it stands with the Royal Family, the people of Tooro and journalists entrusted with telling the story of this historic loss.

May His Majesty King Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru Rukidi IV rest in eternal peace.