Security has been heightened at Karuziika Palace in Fort Portal City ahead of the arrival of the remains of Omukama Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru Rukidi IV.
Police patrol vehicles have been deployed across Fort Portal City, while heavily armed police and Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) personnel are stationed at the main entrance of the palace. Traffic police officers have also been deployed at the palace’s main gate to regulate traffic along the Fort Portal-Kasese Highway, where the palace is located.
All people and vehicles entering the palace are being subjected to thorough security checks. Visitors are required to pass through metal detectors, while their bags are searched and individuals are physically screened before being allowed into the palace.
Uganda Red Cross officials are also screening the temperatures of all people entering the palace and sanitising them as part of the precautionary measures.
Vincent Twesige, the Rwenzori West Police spokesperson, told URN that police are working with other security agencies to maintain security and order at the palace. He said security personnel will remain deployed at the palace throughout the mourning period.
Meanwhile, preparations are underway at Karuziika Palace to receive the King’s remains. Service providers were on Friday morning organising and decorating the main entrance of the palace, known as Omusanga, through which the body will be taken to the main sitting room.
The main sitting room has been designated as the place where the King’s remains will lie in state from the time of arrival until his burial. Omusanga, which had remained closed since the announcement of the King’s death, has also been reopened ahead of the arrival of the remains.
The remains of Omukama Oyo are expected to arrive in Uganda on Friday afternoon and will be received by President Yoweri Museveni at Entebbe International Airport. The President is expected to pay his last respects before the body is airlifted to Kyegegwa District.
From Kyegegwa, the remains will be transported by road to Karuziika Palace in Fort Portal City. Upon arrival at the palace, the Tooro Kingdom will officially begin nine days of mourning for the late King ahead of his burial on September 12 at the Karambi Royal Tombs-URN. Give us feedback on this story through our email: kamwokyatimes@gmail.com
