Karungi Mugambwa Diana has shared a humorous but emotional account of her encounter with the late Tooro King Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru Rukidi IV, recalling how she once appointed herself the monarch’s personal protector during a trip.
King Oyo died aged 34 after a reign that began when he was just three years old. His death has triggered mourning across Tooro, with tributes highlighting his contribution to the kingdom, culture and his subjects.
In her tribute following his death, entrepreneur Karungi Mugambwa Diana recalled an incident from 11 years ago when she travelled with the young king and her cousins to Fort Portal.
Diana said she was filled with anxiety throughout the journey, fearing that anything happening to Oyo would leave those travelling with him answerable to the people of Tooro.
“As a young subject, I was prepared to defend my King with my life,” she recalled.
According to Diana, while Oyo remained remarkably calm during the trip, she became increasingly suspicious of everyone who approached him.
She joked that she temporarily abandoned normal cultural expectations and appointed herself the king’s protector, convinced that she could not trust anyone who came near him.
Her actions did not go unnoticed. Diana said Kepher Mugema repeatedly teased her, jokingly referring to her as the king’s “first female bodyguard.”
The experience became even more emotional when the group eventually returned Oyo safely to his residence.
Diana said she burst into tears, even as those around her laughed at her reaction. She then rushed home to her grandmother and proudly announced that the king had safely returned.
Her grandmother, she recalled, was delighted.
The experience apparently convinced Diana not to accompany the king on future trips. Instead, she limited her visits to the palace to family occasions such as Easter and Christmas.
However, whenever she met Oyo outside the palace, the king would playfully remind her that she had abandoned her duties as his self-appointed bodyguard.
Beyond the humour, Diana's tribute painted a picture of Oyo as a compassionate and approachable monarch who valued his subjects.
She said he was an exceptional listener and recalled presenting several projects to him, noting that he not only listened and encouraged her but also followed up to ensure some of the projects were implemented.
Diana also highlighted Oyo's Christian faith, describing him as a king who openly proclaimed his love for Jesus Christ.
She further remembered his passion for cattle and praised his confidence and composure, particularly when faced with opposition from some subjects.
“For me, he was my King, a King who openly proclaimed the love of Jesus,” Diana said.
As Tooro mourns the death of its long-serving monarch, Diana's story offers a personal glimpse into the relationship Oyo shared with some of his subjects—one marked by affection, humour and admiration.
She concluded her tribute by wishing the late king eternal rest and expressing her hope that he would be received by the angels.