The body of King Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru Rukidi IV, once recognized by Guinness World Records as the world's youngest reigning monarch, has been returned to Uganda. President Yoweri Museveni was among the dignitaries present at Entebbe airport to pay their respects. King Oyo passed away in the United States last week at the age of 34 after battling an aggressive form of cancer. He will be buried next Saturday, the same day he had hoped to celebrate the 25th anniversary of his coronation. He ascended the throne at just three years old and was formally crowned when he turned 18. His return marks the beginning of the Tooro kingdom's official nine-day mourning period, which comes amid a growing dispute over who will succeed him. Uganda is a republic with an elected president and parliament, but it also has several traditional kingdoms, such as Tooro, that continue to hold cultural significance. King Oyo ruled over more than two million people and was the 13th monarch of a kingdom established in the early 19th century. After a brief ceremony at Entebbe, his body was transported by military helicopter to Kyegegwa in western Uganda, where the Tooro Kingdom is located, and then by road to the royal palace in Fort Portal. His body will lie in state at Karuziika Palace during the mourning period, with members of the public able to pay their respects and evening prayers will be held there. On Thursday, Uganda's parliament held a special tribute to King Oyo, remembering him as a modernizing leader who supported education, health, and opportunities for young people. Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja called him a "symbol of unity" and praised his efforts in raising awareness about HIV and AIDS among youth. Opposition members of parliament also honored him, with acting opposition leader Patrick Nsamba Oshabe noting that Oyo had successfully balanced heritage and development. Oyo's death has created uncertainty about the future of the Tooro monarchy, as he was not officially married. However, Tooro Prime Minister Calvin Armstrong Rwomiire Akiiki stated that the king had a young son, whose identity would be revealed later in accordance with Tooro customs. President Museveni confirmed that Oyo's mother, Queen Best Kemigisa, had told him that her son had left an heir. However, Charles Kamurasi, head of the Babiito royal clan from which Tooro's kings are chosen, said he was unaware of the reported child, sparking a public disagreement among senior figures in the kingdom. Akiiki has since urged the dispute to be resolved privately and warned that words spoken in grief can deepen divisions. The Ugandan government has also advised people not to spread speculation about the succession on social media, emphasizing that any disputes will be handled according to the law governing traditional and cultural leaders. The Tooro Kingdom follows a hereditary system for selecting its monarch, and the funeral will include a church service followed by a traditional procession to the Karambi Royal Tombs, with burial expected to be completed by 14:00 local time. According to Tooro tradition, kings are not buried in the evening.