Tears flowed freely at Entebbe International Airport on Friday as the body of the late Tooro Kingdom monarch, King Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru Rukidi IV, finally arrived in Uganda.
The chartered aircraft carrying the remains of the 34-year-old king touched down at Entebbe shortly after midday, marking an emotional moment for the royal family, government officials and the people of Tooro Kingdom.
President Yoweri Museveni was among the dignitaries who received the body and paid his final respects to the monarch.
The arrival brought an end to the late King’s journey from the United States, where he passed away last week.
A heavy silence hung over the airport as the casket was received, with members of the royal family visibly overcome by grief.
The late King’s remains were accorded official honours before beginning the journey to Tooro, where thousands of subjects have been waiting to receive their beloved Omukama.
King Oyo’s body was subsequently airlifted towards Kyegegwa before the final journey by road to Karuziika Palace in Fort Portal.
His return officially signals the beginning of a nine-day mourning period that will culminate in his burial on September 12 at the Karambi Royal Tombs.
King Oyo made history when he ascended to the throne in 1995 at just three years old, becoming the world’s youngest reigning monarch at the time.
For the people of Tooro, Friday’s heartbreaking homecoming was more than the return of a king’s body.
It was the final journey of a monarch who grew up before the eyes of an entire kingdom and whose death has left Uganda mourning.