Uganda’s King Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru Rukidi IV, recognised as the world’s youngest reigning monarch, has died at the age of 34.
The Tooro Kingdom announced his death in a statement late Thursday.
The kingdom’s Prime Minister, known as the Omuhikirwa, said King Oyo died at approximately 10:00 pm.
“It is with profound sadness and a heavy heart that I announce the passing of His Majesty the Omukama of Tooro, King Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru Rukidi IV,” the statement said.
King Oyo ascended the throne in 1995 at the age of three following the death of his father, who died of a heart attack.
He later formally assumed his royal responsibilities after reaching adulthood.
Last year, Guinness World Records recognised King Oyo as the world’s youngest reigning monarch.
Local media reported that the king died while receiving treatment in the United States following weeks of speculation about his deteriorating health.
King Oyo ruled the Tooro Kingdom, located in western Uganda, which has a population of about 2.1 million people.
Uganda is a republic led by President Yoweri Museveni but officially recognises several traditional kingdoms.
The traditional kingdoms mainly serve as cultural institutions and have limited political power.
Africa has three sovereign monarchies: Eswatini, Lesotho and Morocco.
Several other African countries, including Uganda, continue to recognise traditional monarchies as important cultural institutions.
The death of King Oyo marks the end of a reign that drew global attention because of his historic ascension to the throne at an unusually young age.
