Uganda buries 'youngest' king amid succession row

Several thousand mourners gathered in Uganda on Saturday to bid farewell to King Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru Rukidi IV, once recognized as the world's youngest reigning monarch. The president of Uganda, Yoweri Museveni, called for unity during a ceremony honoring the late king, who died at the age of 34 while undergoing cancer treatment in the United States.

King Oyo ascended to the throne of Uganda's Tooro Kingdom at just three years old and reigned for 31 years. His sister, Princess Ruth Komuntale, described her brother as a natural comedian who always knew how to lift spirits. The king's death has triggered a bitter succession dispute, with his mother alleging she and other royal family members were placed under house arrest.

The Babiito royal clan selected Prince Edward Rukidi Kijanangoma to succeed the late king, while his sister claims a will designating a biological son as heir. This surprising development caught many in the Tooro elite off guard and was not reflected in the succession vote. At the burial ceremony, Uganda's President Museveni urged the Batoro people to resolve the succession issue with peaceful and lawful means, emphasizing the importance of unity over division.

The Babiito royal clan defended its choice, stating they followed traditional customs and traditions. Uganda officially recognizes four traditional kingdoms but considers them cultural institutions with limited political power.