The Tooro Kingdom has released a tentative programme detailing the final rites and burial arrangements for the late Omukama Oyo Kabamba Nyimba Iguru Rukidi IV, with his burial scheduled for Saturday, September 12, 2026, at the Tooro Royal Tombs.
Richard Rwabuhinga, the Chairman of the Organising Committee, released the programme outlining how the Kingdom will bid farewell to its fallen monarch.
According to the programme, the public viewing of the body will conclude on Friday at 5:00 PM, followed by an official vigil later that evening.
On Saturday, the King’s body will leave Karuzika Palace at 8:15 AM and be taken to St. John Cathedral on Kabarole Hill, where the final funeral Mass will begin at 9:00 AM.
The service is expected to run until 1:00 PM, with His Grace Dr. Stephen Kazimba Mugalu serving as the main celebrant, assisted by other bishops and members of the clergy.
Rwabuhinga urged those intending to attend the church service to arrive before 8:00 AM to allow for proper preparations and seating.
He also highlighted an important Tooro cultural tradition governing the burial of the monarch, explaining that the King cannot be buried beyond 2:00 PM.
“On Saturday, which is the final day, our King will embark on his final journey from Karuzika at 8:15 AM. The Church is supposed to be St. John Cathedral on Kabarole Hill, and the main celebrant is His Grace Dr. Stephen Kazimba Mugalu. He will be assisted by a number of bishops and clergy.”
He added that only four official speeches will be delivered during the church service, in accordance with the programme.
The first speech will come from the King’s sister, Omujjera Nsemerewe Komuntale, followed by the Queen Mother, Akiiki Best Kemigisa, and the Musuuga, the head of the Babito clan in Tooro.
The fourth speech will be delivered by the President or his representative, who will be invited by a member of the Tooro Kingdom Cabinet present at the service to speak on behalf of the State.
“During the service, we shall have speeches. These speeches will come from only four known individuals; the sister to the King, Omujjera Nsemerewe Komuntale, then a speech from the Queen Mother, Akiiki Best Kemigisa, a speech from the Musuuga, the head of the Babito clan from Tooro, and then any minister from the Cabinet who will be present will invite the President or his representative who will be around to give a speech on behalf of the State,” Rwabuhinga explained.
Following the church service, the King’s body will be taken to the Tooro Royal Tombs for the final burial.
The organising committee has also issued strict arrangements regarding access to the royal tombs. Although the burial grounds are open, only a limited number of official vehicles will be permitted to drive to the site.
These will include vehicles belonging to the Queen Mother, Musuuga, Princess, Bishop and Archbishop, and the President’s representative.
All other mourners and guests will be required to walk from the church to the royal tombs.
“It’s an open ground, but no vehicle will be accepted there apart from that of the Queen Mother, Musuuga, Princess, Bishop and Archbishop, and that of the representative of the President. The rest of us will walk on foot from church to the royal tombs,” Rwabuhinga said.
VIDEO: Tooro releases burial programme for late Omukama Oyo, four speeches set for church service#UBCNews | https://t.co/mqTOSewW1A pic.twitter.com/dgyax3FoUl
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