King Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru Rukidi IV, who became Uganda’s Tooro king at the age of three, has died aged 34.
King Oyo, who was recognised by Guinness World Records as the world’s youngest reigning monarch when he ascended the throne in 1995, died on Thursday evening, according to officials from the Tooro Kingdom.
He had been receiving medical treatment in the United States. Officials have not publicly disclosed the cause of his death.
King Oyo inherited the throne after the death of his father, becoming one of the youngest monarchs in modern history. His coronation took place in 2010, when he was 18, marking his transition to full royal duties.
The Tooro Kingdom is one of Uganda’s traditional kingdoms. Although its monarch has no constitutional political authority, the king holds an important cultural and ceremonial role among the people of the region.
During his reign, King Oyo represented Tooro at national and international events and became a prominent figure in Uganda.
He is survived by his family, including a son who is regarded as his heir. The Tooro Kingdom is expected to announce details of the succession in accordance with its traditions.
King Oyo’s death brings to an end a reign that began when he was only a toddler and made him one of the world’s most recognisable young monarchs.
