Tooro Princess Ruth Komuntale has revealed heartbreaking details about the illness of her late brother, King Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru Rukidi IV, saying he spent more than a year seeking medical attention in Uganda before the real cause of his pain was identified.

Speaking during an emotional farewell ceremony at St John’s Cathedral in Fort Portal, Princess Komuntale said Oyo was eventually diagnosed with angiosarcoma, a rare and aggressive form of cancer.

She explained that the diagnosis was made in October 2025, but by that time, the disease had already progressed and spread to several organs in his body.

According to Komuntale, Oyo had spent a long period experiencing different forms of pain and seeking medical help, but the earlier medical assessments did not establish the actual cause of his condition.

She said her brother was at different times told that his pain could have been caused by strenuous exercise or ulcers. He was also advised to undergo physical therapy.

Komuntale said the family only discovered the seriousness of the situation after Oyo underwent more advanced medical examinations, which finally revealed that he was suffering from angiosarcoma.

By the time the correct diagnosis was made, however, the cancer had already spread significantly and was affecting multiple organs, making the situation much more difficult.

Despite the late diagnosis, the family remained hopeful when Oyo started receiving appropriate treatment. Komuntale said the early response to treatment gave them reason to believe that he could recover.

She revealed that the cancer cells initially started shrinking dramatically and that Oyo regained some of his energy. The improvement brought happiness and renewed hope to the family.

However, the situation later changed. Komuntale said that around the middle of July 2026, Oyo’s condition took a serious turn as the cancer became increasingly difficult to control.

She explained that the disease had remained in his body for too long and that, despite the efforts made to treat him, his condition continued to deteriorate.

Komuntale also revealed that Oyo had personally asked his family members not to make his illness public. According to her, the late king believed he would recover and did not want to cause fear or panic within the royal family or the wider Tooro Kingdom.

Because of his wishes, the family kept the matter private, meaning that several people who were close to the king did not know the seriousness of his condition.

Komuntale specifically defended Tooro Prime Minister Calvin Rwomiire against criticism over his knowledge of Oyo’s illness. She explained that he was among the many people who had not been informed because the family was respecting the king’s request for privacy.

She asked people to stop blaming the Prime Minister, saying that he only learned about Oyo’s condition towards the final stages of the king’s illness.

The Princess also used her tribute to remember Oyo beyond his position as king. She described him as a God-fearing, quiet and sometimes reserved person who could become a lively storyteller once he started talking.

She recalled the family’s childhood memories, including Christmas visits to Fort Portal, spending time with relatives and playing with their dogs and cousins. She said Oyo maintained his love for simple activities even after becoming king.

Komuntale said Oyo loved sports, farming, animals, movies, dancing, family meals and physical exercise. She described him as someone who worked hard, prayed, learned, played and deeply valued his family.

She also praised their mother, Queen Mother Best Kemigisa, for raising the children after the death of their father, King Olimi Kaboyo. Komuntale said their mother became both a mother and father to them and gave them a strong foundation of faith.

As she concluded her emotional tribute, Komuntale urged Ugandans not to ignore persistent health problems. She encouraged people to have regular medical check-ups, ask questions about their health and seek another medical opinion when necessary.

Turning directly to her late brother, Komuntale said that although he became a king and carried enormous responsibilities, he would always remain her little brother. She said Oyo had left behind love, memories, family and a legacy that would continue long after his death, before praying for his soul to rest in eternal peace.