By Swift Reporter
The Omuhikirwa (Prime Minister) of Tooro Kingdom, Calvin Armstrong Rwomiire Akiiki has defended the decision to tell the public that the late Omukama Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru Rukidi IV was abroad for studies and was in good health, saying the information was communicated at the explicit request of the King himself.
The Omuhikirwa said he acted in accordance with the wishes of the late monarch, amid growing questions and criticism over the communication surrounding the King’s final days abroad.
“The information communicated to the public that His Majesty was abroad studying and subsequently that he was well was communicated in accordance with His Majesty’s express wishes and direction,” the Omuhikirwa told journalists at Uganda Media Center on Thursday.
“As someone serving him, it was my responsibility to respect his wishes and protect his privacy. I did so faithfully and respectfully.”
His remarks come at a highly emotional moment for the people of Tooro, following the death of the widely loved monarch, whose illness and treatment abroad had generated considerable public interest and speculation.
The Omuhikirwa said the late King had remained hopeful about his recovery and was looking forward to returning home to reunite with his subjects, insisting that he did not want his condition to cause unnecessary alarm among the people.
“I also am confident that His Majesty acted in good faith. He was confident in his recovery and was looking forward to returning home and reuniting with his people for the 31st Empango. He did not want to cause unnecessary alarm among his people,” he said.
The clarification comes amid criticism from sections of the batooro, public and commentators who have questioned why information about the King’s health was not openly communicated, particularly as reports about his condition circulated.
The Omuhikirwa, however, urged the public and the media to exercise restraint, arguing that the Kingdom is currently in a period of mourning and that competing narratives should not overshadow the preparations to receive and bury the monarch.
“We are mourning in Toro, and the emotions are high. We’ve lost our king, a very loved king all over the world,” he said.
He accused some sections of the media of focusing on images capturing the Kingdom and its leaders during their most vulnerable moments, saying such coverage risked turning grief into a spectacle.
“A lot of the media has picked up just those images that point out at the moments when we are at our most desperate, which has turned out to be a spectacle,” he said, appealing to the media to respect the Kingdom’s mourning period.
The Omuhikirwa also called on batooro, kingdom leaders, cultural leaders, public officials and social media users to maintain dignity and unity as preparations continue to receive the King’s body and lay him to rest.
“Moments like these require leadership, not posturing. They require less talking and more organizing,” he said.
He warned that statements made in the heat of grief could deepen divisions within the Kingdom and urged leaders to rise above personal emotions.
“The world is watching us, but most importantly the people of Tooro are looking to us for leadership. How we conduct ourselves during this difficult period reflects on all Toro,” he said.
The Omuhikirwa acknowledged that questions had been raised about the circumstances surrounding the King’s time abroad and the communication issued to the public, but said the matters should be addressed at an appropriate time after the burial.
“There will be a proper time and forum after His Majesty has been laid to rest to address any matters that require clarification. For now, everything else is secondary,” he said.
He further appealed to the media, commentators and social media users to avoid speculation and statements that could inflame tensions.
“What’s spoken in moments of grief can deepen divisions; that may take years to repair,” he warned.
The Omuhikirwa also appealed for privacy for the royal family and those who were closest to the late King, saying they should be allowed to mourn without unnecessary intrusion or pressure to speak publicly.
His comments come as Tooro Kingdom prepares for the final rites of the late Omukama, with attention now shifting towards giving the monarch a dignified farewell and preserving his legacy.
The Omuhikirwa said the ultimate responsibility of the people of Tooro at this moment is to receive their King with honour, lay him to rest with dignity and remain united.
“Let us remember a people who chose unity over division, service over posturing, and leadership over controversy,” he said.
WhatsApp/Call: +256 754 137391
