‘I respected his wishes’: Tooro premier addresses backlash over secrecy surrounding King Oyo's final days

Tooro Kingdom Prime Minister Calvin Armstrong Rwomiire Akiiki has defended the decision to keep information about the late King Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru Rukidi IV’s deteriorating health private, saying public statements indicating the monarch was abroad for studies were made in accordance with the King’s explicit directions. In a statement issued Thursday via his X handle as Tooro prepares to receive the body of the 34-year-old monarch on Friday, Mr Rwomiire stated that he had a responsibility to respect King Oyo’s privacy and protect him from unnecessary public alarm.

“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,” Mr Rwomiire said. “As someone serving him, it was my responsibility to respect his wishes and protect his privacy. I did so faithfully and respectfully.”