Public barred from royal tombs as Tooro enforces strict burial protocols for King Oyo

What the report says

Tooro Kingdom authorities have announced tight restrictions around the burial of Omukama Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru Rukidi IV, with the public barred from entering the Karambi Royal Tombs while traditional rites are carried out. According to The Independent Uganda, the burial committee said the measures are meant to protect the sanctity of the royal rituals and ensure the ceremony follows Tooro cultural practice.

The king is scheduled to be laid to rest on Saturday after a national send-off prayer service at St. John’s Cathedral in Fort Portal City. Henry Basaliza Araali, the kingdom’s deputy prime minister for foreign affairs and head of protocol for the burial committee, said public viewing of the body will end on Friday at 5 p.m. On Saturday morning, the body will move from Karuziika Palace to the cathedral for a service planned between 9 a.m. and noon, with mourners expected to take their seats by 7 a.m.

After the church service, the body will be taken to the royal tombs, where mourners will accompany it on foot for about six kilometres. However, only designated viewing areas will be open to the public, and access to the burial grounds and grave will be restricted. Richard Rwabuhinga, co-chairperson of the burial organising committee, said the final rites will be led by the chief priest, known as Omusuna.

The report says the burial is expected to draw national and foreign dignitaries, along with cultural leaders. Oyo died last week in the United States, where he had been receiving medical treatment, at the age of 34.