Her Royal Highness Best Kemigisa, the Queen Mother of Tooro, has spoken about the pain surrounding the death and burial of her only son, King Oyo, while explaining why his son from Texas did not return for the burial.
In a heartfelt message, the Queen Mother thanked the people of Tooro, Uganda and the international community for the support shown to her and the royal family following King Oyo’s death. She also expressed gratitude to President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni for his long-standing friendship with King Oyo and his support during the difficult period.
The Queen Mother said the days following King Oyo’s death were particularly painful, pointing to what she described as immediate power struggles and announcements of a new king while her son’s body was still being transported.
She said the situation, including celebrations near King Oyo’s body and disagreements over previously agreed burial arrangements, caused distress to the family
According to the Queen Mother, the tense succession dispute contributed to the decision for King Oyo’s son, who lives in Texas, not to return for his father’s burial. She said she wanted to protect the child from the difficult circumstances surrounding the succession.
Despite the painful events, the Queen Mother said she does not want them to define the future. Instead, she pledged to honour King Oyo by continuing to serve the people of Tooro and Uganda.
Together with her daughter, Princess Ruth, she announced plans to establish the King Oyo Memorial Foundation to preserve and build upon the late king’s legacy.
The planned projects include the King Oyo Tooro Museum, which will preserve his personal items and promote Tooro culture; the King Oyo International Stadium, inspired by his passion for youth sports; the King Oyo Research & Teaching Hospital, aimed at supporting medical research and treatment; and the King Oyo Model Farm at Bugaaki, which will promote agricultural education and innovation.
The Queen Mother also appealed to young Ugandans to discover and develop their potential, just as King Oyo did from a young age.
She urged parents to cherish their children and appreciate everyday moments, noting that life can change unexpectedly.
While mourning the loss of her son, the Queen Mother said King Oyo’s earthly journey has ended, but his story and legacy can continue through service and projects that benefit future generations.
She called for unity rather than division and pledged to continue serving the people of Tooro and Uganda in her son’s name.