Uganda's youngest monarch

Apr 19, 2010, 12:01 GMT

Uganda's King Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru Rukidi IV has become the world's youngest monarch to assume power.

The 18-year-old monarch has been made the full ruler of the Toro Kingdom in the western region of the African nation, 15 years after he was effectively made king following the death of his father but could not officially rule until he was of legal age.

Oyo was crowned in a lavish ceremony yesterday (18.04.10) following two days of festivities, which saw thousands of Ugandans take part in festivities and say prayers for their new king.

Phillip Winyi, the Kingdom's Information and Foreign Affairs minister said: "It was an extremely colourful ceremony."

In his coronation speech, the king - who will be going into further studies - unveiled a five-year plan with emphasis on education, health and hygiene.

Oyo also has a keen interest in improving the welfare of other young people.

Philip explained: "Actually there is somebody who described him as a 'cyber king' because of the role of technology to young people.

"The king has confidence in young people because he knows they need to take over when they are still young so that they can get abreast with the current problems and challenges."

In attendance at the coronation were several African cultural leaders from Mali, Zimbabwe, Egypt, Mauritania, South Africa, Nigeria, Libya, Kenya, and guests from the US.