Tooro Princess Ruth Komuntale has revealed that her late brother, King Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru Rukidi IV, spent more than a year seeking medical attention in Uganda before doctors discovered that he had cancer.
Speaking during an emotional farewell ceremony at St John’s Cathedral in Fort Portal, Komuntale said Oyo was diagnosed with angiosarcoma, a rare and aggressive cancer, in October 2025.
By then, she said, the disease had already spread to several organs.
The Princess said Oyo had previously been told that his pain could be caused by strenuous exercise or ulcers and was at one point advised to undergo physical therapy. It was only after further medical examinations that the family learned the true cause of his illness.
She said Oyo initially responded positively to treatment, with the cancer cells shrinking significantly and his energy returning, giving the family hope that he would recover. However, his condition worsened around July 2026 as the cancer became increasingly difficult to control.
Komuntale also revealed that Oyo had asked his family to keep his illness private because he believed he would recover and did not want to cause fear among the royal family and the people of Tooro.
She defended Tooro Prime Minister Calvin Rwomiire against criticism over his knowledge of the illness, explaining that he was among those who were not informed and only learned about Oyo’s condition during its final stages.
Beyond his role as king, Komuntale remembered Oyo as a quiet, God-fearing and family-loving man who enjoyed sports, farming, animals, movies, dancing and exercise.
She praised their mother, Queen Mother Best Kemigisa, for raising them with strong values following the death of their father, King Olimi Kaboyo.
Komuntale urged Ugandans to take persistent health problems seriously, undergo regular medical check-ups and seek a second medical opinion when necessary. She concluded by saying that regardless of his royal status, Oyo would always remain her little brother and that his love, memories and legacy would live on.
