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Youngest Ugandan Monarch King Rukidi IV Dies at 34
Confirmed
In Short: Tooro Kingdom's youngest monarch, King Rukidi IV, has passed away, leaving behind a legacy of youth empowerment and traditional values.
A traditional Ugandan ruler, King Rukidi IV, who was recognized as the world's youngest reigning monarch, has died at the age of 34, according to the BBC.
Oyo, as he was known, ruled over more than two million people and was well-respected by his subjects, promoting causes such as education and climate conservation, according to a report in the Daily Monitor.
Tooro's Prime Minister, Calvin Armstrong Rwomiire Akiiki, announced the king's death and called for unity and calm among the people of Tooro and beyond, stating, 'I call upon all the people of Tooro to remain united, calm and prayerful during this profoundly difficult time.
The Buganda Kingdom and the Rwenzururu Kingdom both extended their condolences, while the Federation of Uganda Football Associations honored the king with a moment of silence during all matches until September 4th.
In a statement, the Royal Family urged the people of Tooro to remain united and peaceful, invoking traditional expressions of mourning and remembrance.
Background
The Tooro Kingdom is a Bantu kingdom located within the borders of Uganda.
What's confirmed
- "His Majesty leaves behind a Prince as his heir, whose identity will be formally revealed at the appropriate time, in accordance with the traditions and customs of Tooro Kingdom," he explained.
What's still developing
- A traditional Ugandan ruler named as the world's youngest monarch has died aged 34, his prime minister has announced.
- Oyo, who Guinness World Records listed as the world's youngest reigning monarch, ruled over more than two million people.
- Announcing his death, Tooro's Prime Minister Calvin Armstrong Rwomiire Akiiki called his passing on Thursday an "immeasurable loss" to the royal family and the people of Tooro.
- "I call upon all the people of Tooro to remain united, calm and prayerful during this profoundly difficult time," Akiiki said on Friday.
- The young king was well respected by his people and according to a report in the Daily Monitor newspaper he promoted causes such as youth empowerment, education and climate conservation, as well as HIV/Aids awareness.
- The country's largest and most influential traditional institution, the Buganda Kingdom, said it mourned with the people of Tooro following the death of their monarch, labelling him a valuable figure to Uganda.
- Similarly, the Rwenzururu Kingdom also extended its condolences to "all those mourning this great loss", according to local media reports.
- The Federation of Uganda Football Associations, honoured King Oyo as a "true friend of the beautiful game", and announced a moment of silence before the kick-off of all matches until 4 September in memory of his…