FORT PORTAL, Uganda — Only four official speeches will be delivered during the final send-off ceremony of the late Tooro King, Omukama Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru Rukiidi IV, as the Kingdom moves to preserve the traditional schedule of the royal burial.
The four speakers will be Queen Mother Best Kemigisa; royal princess and the late King’s sister, Ruth Nsemere Komuntale; the head of the Babiito royal clan, Charles Kamurasi; and the President or his representative.
The decision to limit the number of speeches is intended to ensure that the final ceremony remains within the traditional early-afternoon burial schedule and allows the royal rites to proceed according to Tooro cultural practices.
The main send-off Mass will be presided over by the Archbishop of the Church of Uganda, His Grace Stephen Kazimba Mugalu, assisted by Rt. Rev. Reuben Kisembo, Bishop of Ruwenzori Diocese.
The ceremony will form part of the final programme leading to the burial of King Oyo at the Karambi Royal Tombs in Fort Portal City.
The Kingdom has also announced strict cultural protocols governing access to the royal tombs during the burial, with members of the public expected to remain outside as traditional rites are performed.
Public viewing of the King’s body will end at 5:00 p.m. on Friday, ahead of the final preparations for Saturday’s burial.
The tightly structured programme reflects the importance attached by the Tooro Kingdom to preserving its traditional burial practices while accommodating the national dimension of the late monarch’s send-off.
King Oyo’s final farewell is expected to bring together members of the royal family, Tooro cultural leaders, government officials, religious leaders, diplomats and mourners from across Uganda and beyond.
