The Tooro Kingdom in Uganda has confirmed that its king Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru Rukidi IV is in critical condition, with Prime Minister Calvin Armstrong Rwomiire Akiiki appealing to the public to pray for the monarch and refrain from spreading speculation or unverified information.

"This is to inform you that His Majesty King Oyo is currently in a critical condition,” Rwomiire said in an official communication issued Thursday, August 27.

He appealed to the people of Tooro, as well as the king’s friends and well-wishers in Uganda and around the world, to keep him in their thoughts and prayers.

"At this difficult and deeply concerning time, we humbly ask the people of Tooro, our friends and well-wishers in Uganda and across the world to keep His Majesty in their thoughts and prayers,” he said.

Rwomiire also urged the public to avoid speculation and the circulation of unverified reports concerning the monarch’s health, saying the kingdom would provide further information through its official channels.

"The official channels of Tooro Kingdom will provide updates as and when appropriate,” he said.

The kingdom has not disclosed the nature of the king’s condition or details of his medical care. It has instead called for calm, restraint and respect for the king and the Royal Family.

King Oyo, born on April 16, 1992, is the reigning Omukama of Tooro since 1995.