King Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru Rukidi IV of Uganda’s Tooro Kingdom, who became the world’s youngest reigning monarch after ascending the throne at the age of three, has died at 34.
The death of the traditional ruler was confirmed by the Prime Minister of the Tooro Kingdom on Thursday night.
King Oyo ascended the throne in 1995 following the death of his father, becoming one of the youngest monarchs in modern history.
He subsequently spent more than three decades as the Omukama, or King, of Tooro Kingdom, one of Uganda’s prominent traditional institutions.
His reign began during childhood and continued into adulthood, as he grew from a toddler monarch into a prominent figure in Uganda’s traditional and cultural landscape.
The cause of his death had not been disclosed at the time of the announcement.
Born into Uganda’s royal family, King Oyo succeeded his late father as the Omukama of Tooro in 1995.
His coronation attracted international attention because of his extraordinary age and the unusual circumstances surrounding his accession to the throne.
Despite spending more than 30 years on the throne, King Oyo had not officially married before his death.
His death at 34 has prompted tributes and renewed interest in his life and lengthy reign, which began when he was only three years old.
