The Tooro Kingdom officially declared nine days of mourning beginning Friday, August 28, in accordance with traditional customs following the death of a reigning monarch.
The mourning period will allow the kingdom to conduct traditional rites, organise ceremonies and make preparations for the King’s final send-off and the continuation of the monarchy.
A Book of Condolences has been opened at Buziga Palace in Kampala, where prayers are also being held for the late Omukama.
Meanwhile, major traditional ceremonies and cultural rites are taking place at Karuzika Palace in Fort Portal, the traditional heart of the Tooro Kingdom.
Kingdom elders are leading the cultural processes, including members of the royal Babiito clan.
An organising committee has reportedly been formed to coordinate the King’s send-off and is expected to work closely with kingdom authorities and other relevant stakeholders.
The full funeral programme, including arrangements concerning the King’s remains and burial, is expected to be officially announced by the Tooro Kingdom in due course.
Interfaith and ecumenical prayer services are also expected to take place during the mourning period.
Attention is now turning to the future of the Tooro Kingdom and the succession process following the death of King Oyo.
According to the information available, the continuity of the crown is expected to be handled according to established Tooro traditions and customs, with further official communication anticipated from kingdom authorities regarding the next stages of the succession process.
Ugandans and well-wishers across the country continue to send condolences to the royal family, the people of Tooro and the entire kingdom during this difficult period.
