Tooro Queen Mother Best Kemigisa has claimed that members of the royal family are effectively under house arrest at the palace in Fort Portal following the death of her son, King Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru Rukidi IV.
In a statement, Kemigisa said security personnel had been deployed around the palace, restricting the family’s movement and making it difficult for them to receive visitors freely.
“We are under house arrest,” Kemigisa said.
She appealed to Gen. Kayandja Muhanga, the UPDF leadership and President Yoweri Museveni to allow the royal family to mourn and prepare for King Oyo’s burial with freedom and dignity.
Kemigisa’s statement comes as tensions surrounding the succession to the Tooro throne continue following King Oyo’s death.
The Queen Mother maintained that her late son’s Will clearly outlined the order of succession, adding that a meeting had been scheduled with government representatives to discuss the matter.
She also questioned the timing of moves to announce a new King while, according to her, King Oyo’s body remained at the palace.
“I also appeal to those fighting over the throne: please, there will be time for all of that. Let us grieve and bury my son King Oyo,” she said.
Kemigisa described King Oyo as a good son and King who served Tooro for 31 years, urging all parties involved to allow his burial to take place with dignity and respect.
The claims about the family’s restrictions and the circumstances surrounding the succession dispute had not been independently verified at the time of publication.
BREAKING: The late Omukama Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru Rukidi IV’s 2022 Will sets out a clear line of succession to the Tooro throne.
Under the Will, his son is designated as the first heir and successor to the throne. Should he be unable to assume the throne,… pic.twitter.com/cXpJcdH1T6
— Tooro Kingdom (@ObukamaBwaTooro) September 9, 2026
