Queen Mother Best Kemigisha has called for peace and unity in Tooro, urging the people of the Kingdom not to allow disagreements over succession to undermine the legacy of the late King Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru Rukidi IV.
Speaking during the funeral service for King Oyo, Queen Mother Kemigisha emotionally reflected on her son’s illness, revealing that she had pleaded with God to spare him and take her instead.
“While he was in hospital, I asked God to spare my son and take me instead. But He chose to take him first. I kept asking, ‘Why?’ He was so good to You,” she said.
Despite the pain of losing her son, Kemigisha said she had accepted his death as God’s will.
“Anyway, that was God’s will to take him. I can’t disagree with God,” she said.
The Queen Mother used her address to appeal to the Batooro to remain peaceful and united as the Kingdom enters a period of transition following the death of its monarch.
“Let’s remain united and peaceful for this king who was loved and revered,” she said, noting that the region had remained calm throughout the mourning period.
Kemigisha also cautioned against using social media to fuel divisions within the Kingdom, noting that platforms such as TikTok have given everyone an opportunity to express opinions.
“The world has evolved and there’s TikTok where everyone has an opinion. Please do better while saying this and that about us. Show love and we shall also extend love,” she appealed.
She urged the people of Tooro not to allow disagreements to destroy the legacy King Oyo left behind.
“Let’s not ruin the legacy of our king. We should keep developing our world,” she said.
Reflecting on her son’s life, the Queen Mother said his birth and death were both historic moments that brought recognition to Tooro and Uganda.
“We thank God because our king was born and made history. The same has happened in his death. He lived a historic life that made Tooro and Uganda known much,” she said.
The Queen Mother also expressed gratitude to Omujwera Musuuga Charles Kamurasi Mpuga and others for the support they provided during the farewell of the late King Oyo.
She further appreciated President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, whom she described as a friend and father to King Oyo, for his support to the Kingdom and during the King’s final send-off.
Kemigisha also thanked UPDF Chief of Defence Forces Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba for his contribution and support throughout the preparations for King Oyo’s final send-off.
King Oyo’s death marked another profound loss for the Tooro royal family. Queen Mother Kemigisha previously lost her husband, King Patrick Matthew Kaboyo Olimi III, in 1995, after which Oyo ascended the throne as a three-year-old monarch. She also lost her daughter, Princess Celia Konakuleya, in December 1997.
