UPDF Denies Withdrawing Tooro Royal Guards, Says Palace Not Under Lockdown

What the report says

KAMPALA — The Uganda People’s Defence Forces has rejected claims that it pulled Tooro Kingdom Royal Guards away from the palace, saying the royal residence and its occupants are not under lockdown or house arrest. The clarification was issued by Col. Chris Magezi, the Acting Director of Defence Public Information at the Ministry of Defence and Veteran Affairs, in response to concerns attributed to the Tooro Queen Mother, Best Kemigisa, over the security situation at the palace.

According to the statement reported by Watchdog Uganda, the UPDF said it remains involved in supporting security around the Royal Palace after the death of the Tooro King. Magezi said the army is not taking part in the kingdom’s succession discussions, but has reinforced security because of the number of people gathering at the palace and broader security risks linked to the kingdom’s location near eastern Democratic Republic of Congo.

The military said it has added personnel to help protect the palace and surrounding area, with movement and access being monitored through checks and searches. The report also said Commander of the Land Forces Lt Gen Kayanja Muhanga visited the palace to pay respects, inspect UPDF engineering work at the Royal Tombs, and review road and rehabilitation projects ahead of the burial. The statement underscored the UPDF’s condolences to the royal family and its pledge to continue working with other security agencies during the mourning period.