LAGOS–
The passing of His Majesty, King Oyo of Tooro Kingdom, Uganda, at just 34 years of age, is one of those moments.
I struggle to find the right words because King Oyo was not merely a traditional ruler, he represented something much bigger—a generation of African leaders who understood that our culture, heritage, natural wonders and tourism resources are not relics of the past, but powerful instruments for economic transformation, national pride and global engagement.
I personally followed his trajectory over the years, and what struck me most was the extraordinary affection his people had for him.
He ascended the throne at the tender age of three following the death of his father, yet he grew into a monarch who carried the identity and aspirations of his people with remarkable dignity. From a child king watched by the world, he became a respected African cultural figure and an increasingly passionate advocate for the importance of tourism and the environment.
For me, one moment stands above many others.
King Oyo and the Mountain
In 2022, King Oyo made the remarkable journey to the summit of Mount Rwenzori, one of Africa’s most spectacular natural treasures.
That was not simply a royal expedition.
It was a statement.
It was a king physically climbing one of Africa’s great mountains to draw attention to tourism, conservation and the growing threat of climate change.
I remember following that journey with great admiration.
What better way could there be for a king to tell the world: Come and see Africa. Come and experience its mountains. Come and understand why these places must be protected.
Mount Rwenzori was not just a destination for King Oyo. It became a platform from which he could speak about the future of his kingdom, Uganda and Africa.
At a time when many speak about tourism from conference halls, King Oyo took the message to the mountain itself.
He demonstrated that leadership in tourism is not always about making speeches. Sometimes, it is about walking the terrain, standing on the summit and allowing the world to see what is worth protecting.
A King Who Understood the Power of Tourism
My personal appreciation of King Oyo comes from my own conviction that tourism must become one of Africa’s strongest engines of economic and social development.
King Oyo at the top of Mount Rwenzori – Margherita Peak
He understood that tourism is not simply about visitors arriving in a country. It is about communities, culture, identity, employment, conservation, investment and the telling of Africa’s own story.
His support for tourism was therefore important beyond the boundaries of Tooro Kingdom.
It was a message to other traditional rulers, political leaders, private-sector players and communities across Africa:
Embrace tourism. Own your story. Protect your heritage. Showcase your natural resources. Invite the world to experience Africa.
Africa possesses mountains, forests, wildlife, rivers, ancient kingdoms, living cultures, music, cuisine, festivals and extraordinary people. Yet too often, we have failed to give these treasures the attention and investment they deserve.
King Oyo showed us that a traditional institution can become a powerful ambassador for tourism.
His Legacy Must Not Die With Him
At only 34, King Oyo still had so much more to give.
That is perhaps the most painful part of this loss.
But perhaps his greatest responsibility now belongs to us—the people who admired him, followed his work and believed in the causes he championed.
We must not allow his journey to end with his passing.
We must continue the conversation he helped advance.
We must continue climbing the mountains.
We must continue promoting Africa’s destinations.
We must continue warning the world about climate change.
And, above all, we must continue using tourism to create opportunities for African communities and to tell the African story from an African perspective.
I hope other African traditional rulers will look at King Oyo’s example and ask themselves how they can use the influence of their thrones to promote tourism, culture, conservation and sustainable development.
Because a king does not have to wait for government to create a tourism campaign.
A king can become the campaign.
King Oyo became one.
Thank You, Your Majesty
Your Majesty, I never had to sit on your throne to understand your heart for your people.
I saw it in the way your people loved you.
I saw it in the way you carried the heritage of Tooro.
I saw it in your commitment to tourism.
And I saw it most powerfully when you climbed Mount Rwenzori and used that historic journey to remind the world that Africa’s natural treasures are priceless—and that climate change threatens them all.
Today, Tooro mourns.
Uganda mourns.
Africa mourns.
The tourism community mourns.
But beyond mourning, we must celebrate a life that, though tragically short, carried a powerful message.
A king climbed a mountain so that the world could see Africa.
May that message continue to rise.
May his passion for tourism inspire a new generation of African leaders.
May the people of Tooro find strength and comfort.
And may the mountains, forests and wild places he loved continue to speak for him.
Rest in peace, His Majesty King Oyo of Tooro Kingdom.
Your crown may have been laid down, but your legacy will continue to climb.
— Amb. Kazeem Akinola Balogun
Tourism and Culture Advocate | Travel Journalist | African and lnternational Tourism Promoter
