Rukidi IV, World’s Youngest Reigning Traditional Monarch, Dead at 34

Originally appeared on E! Online

A young royal with an already remarkable legacy has left the world too soon.

King Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru Rukidi IV, the leader of Uganda's Tooro Kingdom for 31 years, has died, the kingdom's prime minister confirmed Aug. 27. He was 34.

"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, at approximately 10:00 p.m. this evening," Prime Minister Calvin Armstrong Rwomiire Akiiki wrote in a statement. "This is an immeasurable loss for the Royal Family, the people of Tooro, and the nation of Uganda."

Akiiki acknowledged the grief of the nation and encouraged the people of Tooro—a Bantu kingdom on the western border of Uganda—to "remain united, calm and prayerful during this profoundly difficult time."

In reference to Rukidi, he added, "May His Majesty the King rest in eternal peace."

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Rukidi's cause of death has not yet been confirmed, however a Ugandan government minister previously told a local media outlet, per the BBC, he had been critically ill and was seeking treatment.

While Rukidi was not officially married, Akiiki also quelled anxiety about the status of the Tooro monarchy.

"His Majesty leaves behind a Prince as his heir," Akiiki confirmed in a statement obtained by the BBC, "whose identity will be formally revealed at the appropriate time, in accordance with the traditions and customs of Tooro Kingdom."

Rukidi succeeded to the throne of Tooro in 1995, when he was just 3 years old following the death of his father Rukirabasaija Patrick David Matthew Kaboyo Olimi III.

ROBERTO SCHMIDT/AFP via Getty Images

At the time, a regency was established including Rukidi's mother Best Kemigisa Akiiki, until Rukidi had his official coronation in 2010 upon his 18th birthday.

The young king continually received acknowledgement in the Guiness Book of World Records—as recently as the February 2025 edition—as the youngest reigning monarch.

While Rukidi's ruling was largely symbolic—Uganda is governed by President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni—he was widely influential and respected among the Ugandan population. He was known as a champion of youth empowerment, education, climate conservation and health advocacy and served as a global ambassador for HIV/AIDS awareness.

Rukidi said in an interview published by The Daily Monitor he didn't fully grasp his responsibility as king until he was about 6 years old, and it was a title he grappled with throughout his youth.

"At times, I'll have things I want to do, but I can't just get up and do them like ordinary teenagers do," he told the outlet. "I can't always do what I want because I have obligations."

Nevertheless, he found solace in his classmates, adding, "They like me for who I am, not for what I am."

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