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King Oyo burial sparks brisk business in Fort Portal
In Fort Portal City, accommodation prices have doubled as dignitaries and attendees have gathered, awaiting the burial of the Omukama at Karambi Tombs on Saturday, September 12.
King Oyo burial sparks brisk business in Fort Portal
By: Wilson Asiimwe, Journalist @New Vision
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Merchandise vendors have been stationed for several days at the entrance of Karuziika Royal Palace in Fort Portal, selling various merchandise featuring the portrait of Omukama Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru Rukidi IV, who passed away on August 27.
In Fort Portal City, accommodation prices have doubled as dignitaries and attendees have gathered, awaiting the burial of the Omukama at Karambi Tombs on Saturday, September 12.
Nelson Mwesige, a vendor, stated that he has been selling T-shirts branded with Oyo's image since the announcement of the king's death by Prime Minister Calvin Armstrong Rwomiire Akiiki.
"We are mourning the death of our Omukama, but our people still need services, and we are here to provide them," Mwesige said.
According to Richard Rwabuhinga, chairperson of Omukama's burial organising committee, they expect an influx of people in Fort Portal City between Friday and Saturday for the burial.
According to Richard Rwabuhinga, chairperson of Omukama's burial organising committee, they expect an influx of people in Fort Portal City between Friday and Saturday for the burial.
"We have prohibited vendors from entering the palace because we want to maintain order as we mourn our king. Those selling their items are restricted to the outside of the palace walls," Rwabuhinga stated.
People accessing the palace grounds have been reminded for the past eight days to dress decently in accordance with the norms of Toro tradition.
"The palace is open to everyone during these nine days of mourning the death of our king, but we are not allowing anyone to take pictures of the king's body," said Zebidayo Mukwikwi, the former minister for cultural affairs in the kingdom.
Michael Wandera, the minister for sports who is currently overseeing the funeral program, stated that they expect more delegations to join the people of Toro for the burial of King Oyo.
"Since Saturday, we have been receiving various dignitaries from across Uganda who have observed our cultural norms throughout this mourning period," he added.
People accessing the palace grounds have been reminded for the past eight days to dress decently in accordance with the norms of Toro tradition.
"The palace is open to everyone during these nine days of mourning the death of our king, but we are not allowing anyone to take pictures of the king's body," said Zebidayo Mukwikwi, the former minister for cultural affairs in the kingdom.
Michael Wandera, the minister for sports who is currently overseeing the funeral program, stated that they expect more delegations to join the people of Toro for the burial of King Oyo.
"Since Saturday, we have been receiving various dignitaries from across Uganda who have observed our cultural norms throughout this mourning period," he added.