Kampala, Aug 29. (dpa/GAN) – The monarch of the traditional Tooro Kingdom in Uganda, Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru Rukidi IV, has died at the age of just 34, the country’s prime minister announced on Friday.
King Oyo, who was crowned at the age of three, was recognized last year by the Guinness Book of Records as the world’s youngest reigning king.
Ugandan President, Yoweri Museveni, reinstated the traditional kingdoms of the East African country, after former president Milton Obote abolished them in the 1960s.
Uganda’s reigning kings are prohibited by law from engaging in political activities. They merely take part in campaigns relating to issues such as environmental protection or health, and play a ceremonial role in the installation of clan chiefs.
Ugandan outlets, including television stations, newspapers and social media, are reporting extensively on the death of the young king, who was a keen sports fan and environmentalist.
GNA