FORT PORTAL, UGANDA — Archbishop of the Church of Uganda Stephen Kaziimba Mugalu has urged the people of Tooro to preserve unity following the death of King Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru IV, while making a light-hearted appeal for mourners to continue supporting the late monarch’s beloved English football club, Arsenal.
Speaking during the funeral service at St John’s Cathedral in Fort Portal on Saturday, Archbishop Kaziimba recalled King Oyo’s passion for football, particularly the Uganda Cranes and Arsenal, suggesting that supporting the club would be one way of keeping the late king’s legacy alive.
The football reference brought a lighter moment to an otherwise emotional service as the Tooro Kingdom mourned a monarch whose death has ushered in a significant transition for the institution.
However, beyond the light-hearted appeal, the Archbishop delivered a strong message about the importance of unity, peace and dialogue as the kingdom prepares for its next chapter.
“In grief, unity is so key. Grief shouldn’t divide us. It should bind us,” Kaziimba told mourners.
He cautioned leaders and members of the community against making statements in the heat of grief, warning that careless words could deepen disagreements and create unnecessary divisions within the kingdom.
“Let us be careful with words spoken in grief,” he said.
Kaziimba encouraged those with differing views to engage in constructive dialogue rather than criticising one another publicly, stressing that peaceful discussions would better honour the values associated with the late monarch.
“King Oyo worked so much for peace and unity in this kingdom. One way to uphold his legacy is by ensuring that people hold talks instead of talking about one another,” he preached.\
His remarks come at a sensitive moment for Tooro as the kingdom faces questions surrounding succession and the transition to a new monarch following Oyo’s death.
King Oyo, who ascended to the throne at just three years old, reigned for nearly 31 years and became one of the most recognisable traditional leaders in Uganda.
He died in Dallas on August 27, 2026, from angiosarcoma, an aggressive form of cancer. Information about his illness and treatment was shared with mourners during the funeral service ahead of his burial at the Karambi Royal Tombs.
Describing the loss, Archbishop Kaziimba noted that the death affected more than the individual monarch, touching the royal family, the institution of the monarchy and the wider Tooro community.
He urged the kingdom to accept the circumstances surrounding Oyo’s death and concentrate on preserving the values and principles the late king represented.
Throughout his reign, Oyo was known not only for his royal responsibilities but also for his personal interests, including his enthusiasm for football. His support for Arsenal became a familiar part of his public identity, particularly among young people who followed his life both inside and outside the palace.
Kaziimba’s appeal for continued support of Arsenal offered mourners a reminder of the personal side of the late king, beyond his crown and ceremonial duties.
As Tooro navigates the mourning period and prepares for a new chapter in its leadership, the Archbishop’s message remains centred on peace, reconciliation and collective responsibility.
For the people of Tooro, honouring King Oyo’s legacy, he suggested, means preserving the unity he championed, choosing dialogue over division and perhaps continuing to cheer for his beloved Arsenal.
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