Skip to content
Karuziika Palace, Fort Portal
info@toorokingdom.orgOfficial Communications
Tooro KingdomObukama Bwa Tooro Contact the Kingdom
Home King Patrick David Matthew Kaboyo
The Royal Archive

Omukama of Tooro

King Patrick David Matthew Kaboyo

1965 to 1995

Ascending the throne in 1965 at age 20, Omukama Patrick David Matthew Kaboyo Olimi III served as the 11th ruler of the Babiito dynasty. His reign spanned one of the most turbulent eras in modern Ugandan history, including the 1967 constitutional abolition of traditional kingdoms. Serving as a Ugandan diplomat and ambassador during the interregnum, King Kaboyo played a pivotal role in advocating for and securing the constitutional restoration of traditional cultural institutions in 1993, laying the framework for the modern Tooro Kingdom administration.

View all Abakama
Life and reign

Royal biography

Omukama Patrick David Matthew Kaboyo Olimi III was the 11th ruler of the Babiito dynasty in Tooro Kingdom. Ascending the throne following the death of his father, Omukama George Rukidi III, his reign witnessed both the abolition of traditional cultural kingdoms under the 1967 Ugandan Constitution and their historic restoration in 1993. As a diplomat, visionary leader, and custodian of cultural heritage, King Kaboyo played a decisive role in reviving Tooro’s cultural identity and guiding the kingdom through one of the most turbulent periods in modern East African history.

Biographical Overview

  • Full Royal Name: Patrick David Matthew Kaboyo Olimi III

  • Date of Birth: September 9, 1945

  • Parents: Omukama Sir George David Kamurasi Rukidi III and Lady Gertrude Victoria Tebakwerwa

  • Ascension Date: November 11, 1965

  • Coronation Venue: St. John’s Cathedral & Karuziika Palace, Fort Portal

  • Predecessor: Omukama Sir George David Kamurasi Rukidi III

  • Successor: Omukama Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru Rukidi IV

Key Milestones & Historical Timeline

Birth of Prince Kaboyo
September 9, 1945

Born to King George David Kamurasi Rukidi III at Karuziika Palace in Fort Portal.

Enthronement as 11th Omukama
November 11, 1965

Ascends the throne at age 20 following the passing of his father, becoming the 11th Omukama of Tooro.

Abolition of Kingdoms
1967

The Ugandan government under President Milton Obote abolishes traditional kingdoms, forcing King Kaboyo into exile and private life.

Diplomatic & Public Service
1980s – 1990s

Serves as Uganda’s Ambassador to Cuba and key economic advisor, preserving international goodwill and advocacy for his people.

Constitutional Restoration of Kingdoms
July 1993

Traditional institutions are restored under President Yoweri Museveni. King Kaboyo returns to Fort Portal to reclaim Karuziika Palace and rebuild kingdom institutions.

Passing & Royal Legacy
August 26, 1995

Passes away unexpectedly in San Antonio, Texas, leaving a legacy of restored royal tradition and cultural renewal.

Legacy & Pillars of His Reign

  1. Restoration of Tooro Cultural Heritage: King Kaboyo was instrumental in the movement that led to the constitutional restoration of traditional leadership in Uganda, laying the structural groundwork for the modern Tooro Kingdom administration.

  2. Diplomatic Representation: Leveraging his education and diplomatic assignments, including serving as Uganda’s Ambassador to Cuba, he represented Tooro and Uganda on the world stage with distinction.

  3. Rebuilding Royal Infrastructure: Upon his return in 1993, he spearheaded the rehabilitation of Karuziika Palace and re-established the Kingdom Parliament (Rukurato) and clan governance structures.

  4. Bridge Between Eras: Served as a vital bridge between pre-independence royal traditions and the modern era, preserving royal archives, clan genealogies, and cultural customs for future generations.