GOVERNMENT ACCORDS KING OYO OFFICIAL BURIAL

By Shibah Akatukunda

Hon. Milly Babalanda, Minister for the Presidency and the Chairperson of the Organising Committee for the burial arrangements of Omukama Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru Rukidi IV, announced that the Government of Uganda has taken full charge of preparations for the final send-off of Tooro’s King. His Royal Highness Rukirabasaija Omukama Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru Rukidi IV passed away on August 28, 2026, in the United States of America, where he had been receiving treatment.

Following a directive from President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni at a Cabinet meeting on August 31, the Prime Minister convened an Inter-Ministerial National Organising Committee to implement a whole-of-government approach to ensure a dignified, state-supported burial. The government, with funding provided through State House, is covering all major expenses, including medical bills incurred before the King's passing and the full cost of repatriating his remains from Dallas, United States, via Nairobi to Entebbe International Airport and then to Kegegwa.

“President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni will cover all travel expenses for the remains of His Majesty to Kyegegwa, where his people will receive him. As you know, the President has been His Majesty's guardian since His Majesty became king at the age of 3,” said Hon. Babalanda.

President Museveni and senior officials received the body at Entebbe International Airport on Friday, 4 September 2026, at 10:00 a.m.

The state minister for Gender and Culture, Hon Peace Regis Mutuzo, announced that His Majesty’s remains will be flown to Kyegegwa, from where a procession will proceed to the Royal Palace without any stops along the way.

The Chairperson of the Organising Committee, Minister for the Presidency Babirye Milly Babalanda, and cultural leaders said the body's arrival marks the start of official mourning, culminating in the burial on 12 September at the Karambi Royal Tombs.

The body will lie in state at Karuzika Palace from 4 to 12 September, allowing the public, visiting cultural delegations from across Africa, and government dignitaries to pay their respects. Evening prayers will be held daily throughout the mourning period.

State support for the five official event venues, including Entebbe Airport, the Buziga Royal Residency, Karuzika Palace, St. John’s Cathedral, and Karambi Tombs, covers comprehensive funeral management, logistics, security, and catering. Key operational arrangements provided by the government include

The UPDF Engineers' Brigade is carrying out upgrades at Karuzika Palace, while the Ministry of Defence and Veteran Affairs is providing daily meals and catering for mourners at both Buziga and Karuzika. The government has deployed the UPDF and the Uganda Police Force to manage crowds, protocol, counterterrorism, ceremonial bands, pallbearers, and a gun salute. Additionally, the Ministry of Health has established a health camp to care for mourners during the mourning period in Tooro.

The burial ceremony on September 12 coincides with what would have been the King’s 31st coronation anniversary. Organisers have instructed members of the public attending the funeral service at St. John’s Cathedral to arrive before 8:00 a.m., after which access will be strictly restricted to invited VIPs.

“The Church must end by 12 PM so the procession can walk to the burial site. Burial will be completed by 2 PM because kings in Tooro are buried in the afternoon, not in the evening,” said Hon. Mutuzo.

The Omuhikirwa of Tooro, Rt Hon. Armstrong Calvin Rwomiire, urged mourners to maintain dignity and order throughout the period while the country unites to honour the legacy of King Oyo.

“I appeal to all the people of Tooro and the entire public to refrain from making unnecessary derogatory comments and to take time to mourn our king. There will be time and space to express any concerns with the right people. Until His Majesty has been laid to rest, we must accord him the dignity he deserves,” he said.