Ugandan king who became monarch at age 3 dies at 34

King Oyo of the Tooro Kingdom in western Uganda has died at the age of 34. His death was announced on Thursday, August 27, 2026, by the kingdom's Prime Minister.

King Oyo became one of the most remarkable monarchs in modern history because he took the throne at just three years old in 1995, after his father died. Guinness World Records recognised him as the world's youngest reigning monarch. He ruled over more than two million people as the 13th king of Tooro, a kingdom founded in the early 19th century.

Although he held no formal political power, he used his position to promote education, youth development, and HIV/AIDS awareness. He took on his full royal duties at age 18.