The Federation of Uganda Football Associations (FUFA) has directed that a moment of silence be observed before kick-off of all football competitions, events and activities across the country from 28 August to 4 September 2026 in honour of the late Omukama of Tooro, King Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru Rukidi IV, who passed away on 27 August 2026.
The young King, who was a true friend of Ugandan football, leaves behind a legacy woven into the game at every level of the pyramid.
He was a passionate supporter of the Uganda Cranes, the Tooro Kingdom Amasaza Cup and football development in Tooro.
He also threw his weight behind the FUFA Drum from the tournament's inception in 2017.
The Tooro Kingdom consistently produced quality footballers during his reign, and several went on to ply their trade at the highest level in Uganda.
In 2018, King Oyo received FUFA President Hon. Moses Hassim Magogo at the Royal Palace in Fort Portal, where the two shared ideas on football development and the role of the FUFA Drum in identifying and nurturing talent.
The King also pledged his support to FUFA's football development programmes in Tooro Kingdom.
"His Majesty was a humble King who deeply loved the Uganda Cranes and supported the game with passion and pride. We have lost a true friend of football. His contribution to the growth of the game, particularly in Tooro, will be remembered with great appreciation," Magogo said.
The argument doing the rounds in Kampala now is whether FUFA's tribute stretches far enough — a minute's silence in stadiums is one thing, but a permanent gesture to match a King who backed the game so publicly is quite another.
Omukama Atulize. Enkuba Etutire.
Source: FUFA
