Oyo Nyimba, Ugandan ‘boy king’ who mesmerized world leaders, dies at 34

KAMPALA, Uganda (AP) — Oyo Nyimba, a tribal monarch in Uganda who ascended his ancient throne as an infant and fascinated world leaders as a boy king, has died. He was 34.

The death of the king of Tooro was announced early on Friday by Prime Minister Calvin Rwomiire Akiiki.

“The continuity of the Crown is assured,” the Tooro premier’s statement said. “His Majesty leaves behind a Prince as his heir, whose identity will be formally revealed at the appropriate time, in accordance with the traditions and customs of Tooro Kingdom.”

The death has shocked many Ugandans who didn’t know the king was being treated for an unknown illness abroad and tributes were issued Friday.

Tooro authorities had assured Ugandans that Oyo remained alive but in critical condition, forcing many Ugandans to suddenly come to terms with his death at a relatively young age.

“This is very difficult to comprehend,” Deputy Parliament Speaker Thomas Tayebwa said.

King Oyo, as he was best known, was coronated in 1995 at the age of 3 after his father’s death. He was a curious child in colorful robes and an object of adoration for his hundreds of thousands of subjects. At his coronation, he went through a…