A delegation from Mountains of the Moon University (MMU) this morning visited the Kingdom of Tooro to pay its respects and extend condolences following the untimely passing of His Majesty Dr. Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru Rukiidi IV, Omukama of Tooro.
The delegation was led by the Chairperson of University Council, Dr. Engineer Ben Manyindo, and included the Vice Chancellor, Professor Pius Coxwell Achanga; the Dean of Students, Roselyne Ssali; the Academic Registrar, Grace Nyakahuma; among other members of staff. It also comprised the student leadership, led by Guild President Pelepetwa Kato, his cabinet ministers alongside over 50 students who turned out to stand in solidarity with the Kingdom.
The team was received by the Chief Organizer, Dr. Richard Rwabuhinga, together with other Kingdom officials.
Speaking on behalf of the University, Dr. Manyindo condoled with the Kingdom over the loss and pledged MMU’s continued support during this period of mourning, offering the students present to serve as ushers throughout the funeral arrangements. The Vice Chancellor further directed the Dean of Students to ensure that all necessary support, including transportation of the students to and from the palace, was availed for the duration of the exercise.
During the visit, the Vice Chancellor read out, verbatim, a formal condolence message addressed to the Queen Mother, the Batebe, Abahikirwa, and the Royal Family of the Kingdom of Tooro, extending condolences on behalf of the Chancellor, University Council, Management, staff, and students of MMU.
In the message, the University described the passing of the Omukama as a profound loss not only to the Kingdom of Tooro but to the nation at large, noting that the Late King had been a strong partner and a resilient advocate for the empowerment of young people in the region. The message recalled that His Majesty had already tasked his Cabinet to work with MMU on developing community led initiatives, including support for Information and Communication Technology training and innovation among the youth, a reflection, the University said, of his commitment to equipping the young people of Tooro with the knowledge, skills, and opportunities to shape their own future.
The University extended its deepest sympathy and heartfelt condolences to the Royal Family and the people of Tooro, praying that the Almighty God comforts them, and that the soul of His Majesty Dr. Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru Rukiidi IV rests in eternal peace.