FORT PORTAL — Princess Ruth Komuntale has paid an emotional tribute to her late brother, Tooro King Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru Rukidi IV, describing him as a God-fearing man who brought laughter, love and cherished memories to the royal family.
In a moving farewell, Princess Komuntale said she was still struggling to accept that the family had gathered to say goodbye to the King, who died aged 34.
“As I collect my thoughts to write this farewell to my brother, I still find it difficult to believe that we are here today, literally saying goodbye to my brother,” she wrote.
‘The person behind the crown’
Princess Komuntale said that beyond his position as King, Oyo was a brother, son and family man whose personality was known to those closest to him.
“When I think about my brother, I think first of the person behind the crown. He was a God-fearing man,” she said.
She described him as quiet and reserved at times, but said that once he began talking, he could keep people entertained with stories.
“And I loved listening to him,” she added.
The Princess recalled their childhood and the memories they shared while growing up, including the moments when they would make their mother, Queen Mother Best Kemigisa, “run for her money.”
King Oyo the impersonator
Komuntale also revealed a playful side of her late brother, describing him as an “amazing impersonator” who could imitate people’s voices, mannerisms and ways of speaking.
“He had a gift for making people laugh, and he always knew how to brighten my day,” she said.
Although Oyo was her younger brother, Komuntale said he often behaved as though he were the older sibling.
She attributed this to his sense of responsibility towards their mother and herself after their father died.
‘I am incredibly proud of you, Amooti’
Komuntale said she was grateful that God had allowed the family to enjoy 34 years with Oyo.
She recalled family holidays, childhood memories, laughter and countless moments she said she would carry with her for the rest of her life.
“I watched my brother carry responsibilities that most people could never imagine. I watched him grow, learn, lead, pray, struggle, persevere, and love,” she said.
“I am incredibly proud of you, Amooti.”
But despite the memories, Komuntale said she wished she had been given more time with her younger brother.
“I wish I could hear your voice, hear one of your stories, hear one of your impersonations, or simply sit beside you and laugh about something that only the two of us would find funny,” she wrote.
‘You have left behind a legacy’
The Princess said Oyo’s death had left behind love, memories and a generation that would continue to remember his name.
“You have left behind love. You have left behind memories. You have left behind family,” she said.
“You have left behind a generation that will forever know your name. And you have left behind a legacy that will continue long after today.”
Komuntale ended her tribute with a final message to her younger brother, asking him to rest after what she described as his work on earth.
“So, my baby brother, rest now. Your work on this earth is done. May God receive you with open arms,” she wrote.
“Thank you for the life we shared. Thank you for the memories. Thank you for being my brother. I love you, and I always will.”
She concluded: “May King Oyo’s legacy live on forever.”
