FORT PORTAL, Uganda — The Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) has denied withdrawing the Tooro Royal Guards from the royal palace, dismissing claims that palace residents have been placed under lockdown or house arrest.
In a clarification issued by the Ministry of Defence and Veteran Affairs, Colonel Chris Magezi, Acting Director of Defence Public Information, said the UPDF had not withdrawn the Tooro Royal Guards and was not involved in the succession processes currently unfolding within the Tooro Kingdom.
The clarification follows a statement attributed to Tooro Queen Mother Best Kemigisa dated September 10, 2026, concerning the security situation at the palace.
“The UPDF has NOT withdrawn the Tooro Royal Guards from the palace as alleged,” Magezi said, adding that it was also not true that residents of the Royal Palace were under lockdown or house arrest.
The UPDF said it is not privy to or involved in the succession processes currently taking place in the Kingdom.
However, the military said it had reinforced security around the palace because of the large number of people gathered for the ongoing events and the proximity of security threats emanating from eastern Democratic Republic of Congo.
According to the statement, the Royal Guards have been reinforced with additional security personnel covering the palace and surrounding areas.
Movements around the area are being closely monitored, while access-control measures, including thorough searches and security checks, have been introduced to protect mourners, royal family members and other people attending the events.
UPDF Commander Inspects Burial Preparations
The UPDF also disclosed that the Commander Land Forces, Lt. Gen. Kayanja Muhanga, visited the palace to pay his last respects to the late King and inspect ongoing UPDF projects connected to the burial.
The projects include works at the Karambi Royal Tombs, roads leading to the burial site and other rehabilitation works being undertaken ahead of Saturday’s burial.
The UPDF said Lt. Gen. Muhanga was satisfied with the progress being made by the UPDF Engineering Brigade and expressed confidence that the works would be completed in time for the official burial of King Oyo.
The late Omukama Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru Rukiidi IV is scheduled to be buried on Saturday at the Karambi Royal Tombs in Fort Portal City.
His final send-off follows a national prayer service at St. John’s Cathedral, with the burial expected to be conducted under strict Tooro cultural protocols.
The security clarification comes amid heightened attention surrounding the Kingdom following the death of King Oyo and a disputed succession announcement.
Earlier this week, the Babiito Clan Succession Committee announced that Prince Edward Rukiidi Kijanangoma had been elected to succeed King Oyo.
The announcement was subsequently rejected by Princess Ruth Nsemere Komuntale, who said it was inaccurate. Princess Elizabeth Bagaya also backed Komuntale’s position, describing the development as a tragic moment for the royal family.
The UPDF has now stressed that it is not involved in determining the Kingdom’s next monarch.
Magezi said the UPDF continues to work with other security agencies to provide the necessary security and maintain calm during the mourning period.
“The UPDF commiserates with the Queen Mother upon the untimely demise of her son and King,” the statement said, extending condolences to the Royal Family, the Tooro Kingdom and the people of Uganda and the wider region.
The military said it remains available to provide the required support to ensure security, calm and the safety of mourners throughout the King’s final ceremonies.
