Only four people will deliver official speeches at the final send-off ceremony of Tooro King Omukama Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru Rukiidi IV, as the kingdom seeks to ensure that his burial is conducted within the traditional early-afternoon timeframe.
The speakers will include the Queen Mother, Best Kemigisa; royal princess and the late King’s sister, Ruth Nsemere Komuntale; the head of the Babiito royal clan, Charles Kamurasi; and President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni or his representative.
The main send-off Mass will be presided over by the Archbishop of the Church of Uganda, His Grace Stephen Kazimba Mugalu, assisted by the Bishop of Ruwenzori Diocese, Rt Rev Reuben Kisembo.
Richard Rwabuhinga, the co-chairperson of the burial organising committee, said the programme would be strictly timed to maintain order and ensure that the kingdom’s burial traditions are respected.
He said mourners who wish to address the gathering but are not among the designated speakers will be given an opportunity to speak on Friday, ahead of the burial.
Access to the royal burial grounds at Karambi will also be limited. According to the burial arrangements, only immediate members of the royal family and senior government officials will be allowed into the burial area, while other mourners will watch the proceedings from a designated distance.
The organising committee has also announced that mourners are expected to walk approximately six kilometres from St John’s Cathedral to Karambi as part of the procession.
Only a limited number of vehicles will be permitted to accompany the King’s body, with the committee restricting the procession to a maximum of 30 vehicles.
The measures are aimed at maintaining the solemnity of the King’s final rites while managing the large crowds expected to attend the burial.
King Oyo died in September 2026 after spending more than three decades on the Tooro throne. His final burial is being held at the royal tombs in Karambi, Fort Portal.
English 