Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni has revealed that the late King Oyo Nyimba of Tooro Kingdom sent him a personal letter dated June 15, 2026, weeks before his death. Museveni made the disclosure on Tuesday, September 29, while delivering a speech at the Karuziika Royal Palace during the coronation of Edward Rukidi Nyabongo I, who has been installed as the new King of Tooro. The letter was discovered by Museveni a day after King Oyo's burial, leaving him deeply saddened.
According to Museveni, the letter written by King Oyo thanked him for a number of things, including the appointment of ministers from Tooro. The president described the moment he stumbled upon the letter as deeply painful, saying he was still trying to come to terms with the loss of the king. King Oyo's passing had prompted widespread mourning across Uganda and the world, and he was buried on September 12, 2026.
During his speech at the coronation ceremony, Museveni paid tribute to the late king, saying he wanted to "salute the memory of King Oyo for the wonderful work he did." He also congratulated the newly installed monarch, saying he had been following Nyabongo on television and was impressed with his performance. Museveni expressed confidence that Nyabongo would do a good job as the new king.
Beyond the tributes, Museveni used his address to call on cultural leaders across Uganda to defend traditional institutions, particularly around marriage. He argued that the resurgence of traditional marriage practices could help address public health challenges, pointing to high HIV prevalence rates in Western Uganda compared to regions such as Karamoja.
Museveni also urged communities to protect indigenous languages, crafts, and knowledge systems, warning that local knowledge was disappearing at an alarming rate. He cited his personal effort to preserve Ankole long-horned cattle as an example, noting that he had sold some to South African president Cyril Ramaphosa.
The president's emotional connection to King Oyo was evident even after the king's passing. A photo of Museveni bowing beside the king's casket drew widespread attention, with many Ugandans struck by the president's visibly teary eyes. A flight carrying King Oyo's remains had touched down at Entebbe International Airport, where a sombre welcoming ceremony was held.
In conclusion, Museveni's revelation of the letter from King Oyo has highlighted the strong bond between the two leaders. The president's call to cultural leaders to safeguard traditional institutions and heritage has also resonated with many Ugandans. As the country continues to mourn the loss of King Oyo, Museveni's words are seen as a tribute to the late king's legacy.
Key points
- - The late King Oyo wrote a personal letter to Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni on June 15, 2026, weeks before his death. - Museveni discovered the letter a day after King Oyo's burial, leaving him deeply saddened. - The president has called on cultural leaders to defend traditional institutions and heritage, citing the importance of preserving indigenous knowledge and practices.
