Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru Rukidi IV, the King of Tooro in Uganda and the world’s youngest reigning monarch, has died at the age of 34, his kingdom’s prime minister announced on Thursday. The cause of death was not disclosed.

Oyo Nyimba ascended to the throne in 1995 at the age of three, following the death of his grandfather. Although Uganda is a republic governed by an elected president, the country recognizes several traditional monarchies that hold largely ceremonial roles but maintain significant cultural and social influence within their communities. The Tooro kingdom is located in western Uganda, near the border with the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Prime Minister Calvin Armstrong Rwomiire Akiiki described the king’s passing as an “immeasurable loss” but emphasized that the continuity of the monarchy is assured, as the late king left behind an heir. A minister in the government of President Yoweri Museveni, Balaam Barugahara, had earlier indicated that Oyo Nyimba was receiving medical treatment in the United States prior to his death.

The king’s tenure was marked by his symbolic leadership and efforts to uphold the traditions and culture of the Tooro people. His death marks the end of a significant chapter in Uganda’s traditional monarchy system, which continues to coexist alongside the country’s republican government structure.