Princess Ruth Komuntale has revealed harrowing details regarding the final months of Omukama Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru Rukidi IV, disclosing that the late monarch’s rare and aggressive cancer was initially misdiagnosed by medical professionals in Uganda for over a year.
Delivering a heartfelt tribute during King Oyo’s funeral service at St. John’s Cathedral in Fort Portal on Saturday, September 12, Princess Komuntale shared that her brother suffered from Angiosarcoma—a rare cancer of the inner lining of blood vessels—which was repeatedly misattributed to minor ailments before specialized tests abroad revealed the truth.
“Before his diagnosis, he had spent more than a year seeking medical evaluations here in Uganda for the different pains he was experiencing,” Komuntale told mourners. “Sadly, he was not getting the correct diagnosis; he was told that his pain was likely related to strenuous exercises or ulcers and was advised to undergo physiotherapy. By the time he got the correct diagnosis, the cancer had already spread and was affecting multiple organs.”
Princess Komuntale disclosed that King Oyo received his formal Angiosarcoma diagnosis in mid-October 2025. However, upon learning of the severity of his condition, the 34-year-old monarch personally requested that the news be kept strictly confidential to prevent fear and panic among his family and subjects.
“When this news was shared with us, he cautioned us not to share it with anyone. He believed he was going to get better,” she said. “We respected his wishes, and of course, we believed he was going to beat this.”
Addressing recent public scrutiny, Komuntale cleared Tooro Kingdom Prime Minister Omuhikirwa Calvin Armstrong Rwomiire of allegations that he had concealed the King’s health status from the public, emphasizing that the Prime Minister was genuinely unaware because Oyo insisted on keeping his medical fight private.
After initiating targeted cancer treatment, King Oyo initially showed dramatic signs of improvement and regained energy. However, his condition deteriorated sharply in mid-July 2026 as the disease progressed.
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“A Brother Beyond the Crown”
Moving away from official royal protocol, Princess Komuntale offered a rare glimpse into King Oyo’s personal life, describing him as a joyful, prayerful, and deeply protective younger brother who acted as the man of the house following their father’s death in 1995.
She shared fond childhood memories of playing traditional games like Kwepena, caring for their dogs, and watching her brother demonstrate a talent for impersonating public figures.
“He was an amazing impersonator,” Komuntale recalled with a smile. “You just saw him sitting on the throne, but you had no idea what an amazing person he was. He could mimic the way someone talks down to their voice and mannerisms. He used to mimic the Archbishop as well, but in a good way. He had a way to make people laugh.”
She further highlighted his devotion to fitness, Bible study, and farming, describing him as an avid workout enthusiast and dedicated cattle keeper who spent hours reflecting on scripture in his personal journals.
Komuntale also expressed deep gratitude to her husband, Phillip, who stepped up as caregiver and chef for King Oyo during his treatment trips, allowing her to balance medical care and family responsibilities.
“Perhaps that is one of the thoughts that gives me comfort today: that after all he endured in life, my brother is no longer suffering. Perhaps he has finally met the father he lost when he was only two and a half years old,” she concluded.
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