Uganda: Government Dismisses Claims Tooro Queen Mother Is Under House Arrest

What the report says

Uganda’s government has rejected social media claims that Tooro Queen Mother Best Kemigisha is under house arrest, saying the security presence around the royal palace is meant to prevent possible disorder during a sensitive period for the kingdom. The comments were made by State Minister for Internal Affairs Juma Waneze in a live interview with NBS TV, as tensions continue within the Tooro Kingdom after the death of King Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru Rukidi IV.

According to the report carried by Nile Post and distributed by AllAfrica, Kemigisha had issued a statement alleging that security forces had surrounded the palace, limited movement by members of the royal family, and restricted visitors. She also claimed that the family could not move or receive guests freely, and appealed to senior army officials and President Yoweri Museveni to allow peaceful mourning and burial arrangements.

Waneze said those allegations were not true and urged the public to avoid spreading unverified information. He said the deployment near the palace was linked to expectations of possible unrest, and noted the heavy presence of international media covering the funeral period. The government did not confirm the queen mother’s claims about palace guards being removed or relatives being taken away.

The dispute comes as the kingdom prepares for the burial of King Oyo, who died in the United States on August 26, 2026. His remains are expected to be laid to rest at the Karambi Royal Tombs near Kasese and Fort Portal, an event drawing national and international attention.