King Oyo to be buried on his 31st coronation anniversary

What the report says

The Observer reports that the late Omukama of Tooro, Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru Rukidi IV, will be buried on September 12, the same date he was crowned king 31 years earlier. The timing gives the kingdom a symbolic but somber anniversary, replacing a day normally linked to celebration with funeral rites.

According to the report, Oyo became king on September 12, 1995, at the age of three, after the death of his father, Patrick Olimi Kaboyo III. Over more than three decades on the throne, he was associated with efforts to protect Tooro traditions while also supporting the kingdom’s social, cultural and economic development.

The burial arrangements were announced at the royal palace in Karisika, Fort Portal, by Charles Kamurasi, head of the royal clan, after a meeting with clan leaders. He said the body would be flown from Entebbe to Fort Portal on Friday morning, and that the royal family had chosen not to allow public viewing at another location. Kamurasi also said President Yoweri Museveni would be the only person allowed to pay respects at Entebbe, following a request from the president.

Tooro Kingdom prime minister Calvin Armstrong Rwomire gave a slightly different account of the journey, saying the body would later be taken by road to Kyegegwa district before a procession to the royal palace in Fort Portal. The report says the movement of the body is expected to begin a series of traditional and official rites ahead of the burial.