The body of the late Tooro King, Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru Rukidi IV, is expected to arrive in Uganda on Thursday morning, according to the official funeral programme. The King, who died last Thursday in the United States, where he had been receiving medical treatment, will be taken to the Royal Palace in Fort Portal for final rites.
Fr. (Dr.) Charles Oyo, the head of the communication committee, revealed this in an interview with URN. There are reports that the body could be airlifted to Kyegegwa, a district bordering Tooro and Buganda, before being transported by road to Fort Portal to allow mourners to pay their respects. However, Fr. Oyo said the specific arrangements had not yet been finalised.
He said the kingdom would communicate the confirmed programme once all arrangements had been concluded. On the selection of a new King, Fr. Oyo said the succession committee was making progress under the guidance of Musuga Charles Kamurasi, the head of the Babiito royal clan.He said details of the succession process would be communicated at an appropriate time.
Meanwhile, preparations at the royal palace and burial grounds are continuing ahead of the King’s arrival and burial. Richard Rwabuhinga, who heads the local organising committee, said efforts to restore the Royal Palace and the royal tombs are ongoing, with support from Chief of Defence Forces Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba through the UPDF Engineering Brigade.
Rwabuhinga also said Gen. Muhoozi has been providing food to mourners gathered in Fort Portal as the kingdom prepares to lay the late monarch to rest. King Oyo, who died at the age of 32, was the world’s youngest reigning monarch and had ruled Tooro since 1995-URN. Give us feedback on this story through our email: kamwokyatimes@gmail.com
