Staff
The Tooro Kingdom has officially entered nine days of mourning following the death of reigning Omukama King Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru Rukidi IV, with traditional rites and preparations for his final send-off now underway.
The mourning period began on Friday, August 28, in accordance with Tooro customs observed following the death of a reigning monarch.
During the nine days, kingdom elders and members of the royal Babiito clan are expected to oversee traditional rites, ceremonies and other cultural processes leading up to the King’s final send-off.
A Book of Condolences has also been opened at Buziga Palace in Kampala, where prayers are being held for the late Omukama.
Meanwhile, major cultural ceremonies are taking place at Karuzika Palace in Fort Portal, the traditional seat of the Tooro Kingdom. An organising committee has reportedly been established to coordinate the funeral arrangements in consultation with kingdom authorities and other stakeholders.
The full funeral programme, including arrangements for the King’s remains and burial, is expected to be communicated officially by the kingdom.
Interfaith and ecumenical prayer services are also expected to form part of the mourning period as family members, kingdom subjects and well-wishers continue to pay tribute to the late monarch.
Beyond the funeral, attention is also turning to the future of the Tooro Kingdom and the succession of the crown. The transition is expected to follow established Tooro traditions and customs, with further communication anticipated from kingdom authorities.
As the mourning period continues, condolences continue to pour in for the royal family, the people of Tooro and all those affected by the loss of the King.
