The late Omukama Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru Rukidi IV reportedly remained hopeful about his recovery until the final days of his life, believing he would soon leave hospital and return home to Tooro Kingdom. According to an official statement delivered ahead of his burial, the king had told people close to him that doctors were planning to discharge him the following day.

The emotional revelation was shared by Baguma Komwiswa, the Head of Protocol in Tooro Kingdom, who read the official statement during preparations for the burial. His account offered a glimpse into the king’s final days as he received treatment in the United States.

According to the statement, Oyo remained optimistic while undergoing treatment and continued communicating with people around him. He reportedly spoke to Jonathan Baguma and other close associates, reassuring them that he expected to return home soon.

The king also spoke to Batereze Mary and Philip, telling them that he would be coming home the next day because doctors were expected to discharge him. For those who received the calls, the message carried hope that the monarch would soon be reunited with his people and resume life at the palace.

However, the anticipated homecoming never happened. The statement revealed that Oyo’s condition suddenly deteriorated on August 27, 2026, forcing doctors to place him on life support as they tried to save his life.

Despite the medical team’s efforts, the king died at 14:16 US time, aged 34. His death brought an end to the hopes of his family, friends and subjects who had been looking forward to his recovery and return to Tooro.

Even during his hospital stay, Oyo reportedly remained engaged with affairs back home. He continued communicating with palace workers and security personnel, offering instructions on the management of kingdom matters while maintaining contact with people who played important roles in his service.

His final phone calls have since become a deeply emotional part of the story surrounding his death. Instead of welcoming their king home as he had anticipated, the people of Tooro were left mourning a monarch whose last conversations had carried the promise of a return that never came.