Uganda on Saturday, September 12, bid farewell to King Oyo Nyimba Iguru Kabamba Rukidi IV at St John’s Cathedral in Fort Portal, days after he died following a battle with most cancers.
On the funeral Mass, mourners remembered the late King whereas the nation was urged to step up efforts to forestall most cancers and different ailments.
The funeral service was presided over by Archbishop Stephen Kazimba Mugalu, who referred to as on mourners to grieve in unity and keep away from phrases that might deepen divisions.
“Grief shouldn’t divide us however bind us, not grind you or blind you. Allow us to watch out with phrases spoken in grief. They could trigger ache, division and battle and may destroy the legacy of the King we’re mourning and the dominion itself.,” he stated.
He described King Oyo’s loss of life as an incredible loss, saying earthly crowns are handed on, whereas heavenly crowns are everlasting for believers who settle for Christ and stay devoted.
The Deputy Speaker of the Parliament of Uganda, Thomas Tayebwa, who represented President Yoweri Museveni, learn the President’s message to mourners, calling for better efforts to forestall most cancers and different ailments.
“As we mourn the King, I name upon Ugandans to launch a struggle towards most cancers. Eighty % of ailments, I’ve been informed, are preventable, together with most cancers,” he stated.
“Allow us to do our half and God do the most effective. Might the soul of King Oyo relaxation in peace,” he concluded.
A brother remembered
Princess Ruth Komuntale remembered her late brother as a loyal household man who retained the enjoyment and curiosity of the younger boy she had grown up with regardless of the tasks of the throne.
She recalled his love for sports activities, farming, animals, train and Scripture, including that he was somebody who labored laborious, discovered, prayed, performed, liked his household and lived.
Komuntale additionally spoke in regards to the King’s battle with most cancers, saying he was identified with angiosarcoma, an aggressive sort of most cancers that may unfold quickly, in October 2025 after greater than a yr of searching for medical look after unexplained ache.
By the point he acquired the proper prognosis, the most cancers had unfold to a number of organs, though remedy initially introduced important enchancment.
She stated the King remained prayerful all through his sickness and urged individuals to take their well being critically by searching for medical consideration, asking questions and getting a second opinion when essential.
‘I requested God to take me first’
Queen Mom Finest Kemigisa spoke of the anguish she endured throughout her son’s sickness, saying she repeatedly begged God to spare King Oyo and take her as a substitute.
She stated she finally needed to settle for that his loss of life was past her management.
“I actually requested God to take me first once I was within the hospital as a substitute of King Oyo. I begged God however He determined to take King Oyo first. I requested myself if God wanted him greater than me. I prayed and He refused and I puzzled, now what’s going to I do?” she stated.
In keeping with the Queen Mom, King Oyo remained in communication with individuals round him and was nonetheless speaking till Thursday, August 27, when his well being abruptly deteriorated.
“Medical doctors positioned him on life assist as they tried to save lots of his life, however their efforts had been unsuccessful. The King was pronounced useless at 2pm US time on August 27,” she stated.
The hearse carrying the King’s stays left Karuziika Palace within the morning for mass. His physique then headed to the Karambi Royal Tombs, the place he shall be laid to relaxation.
