News
As it happened: Tooro and Uganda say goodbye to King Oyo
"As we bury the king, I appeal for calm, stability and tranquility to prevail in Tooro Kingdom to maintain and sustain the gains and achievements he put in place," says King Oyo's mother.
The casket of late King Oyo of Tooro moved to Karambi Royal Tombs for burial of the late monarch after a funeral service at St John's Cathedral in Fort Portal City on September 12, 2026. (Credit: Dickson Kulumba)
By: Joseph Kizza, Journalist @New Vision
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BURIAL OF KING OYO OF TOORO
📍 Fort Portal City
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3:36 PM | 📹 'I LOVED LISTENING TO MY BROTHER'
EARLIER...
"My brother was a Godfearing man. He could be quiet and reserved at times, but once he decided to talk, he could tell you story after story," says Princess Ruth Komuntale in her emotional tribute to her brother, the late King Oyo.
WATCH 👇🏽
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3:25 PM | 📹 'HELP COMES FROM THE LORD'
EARLIER...
"This is a time of grief, sorrow and time of many questions," preached Archbishop Stephen Kaziimba Mugalu.
WATCH 👇🏽
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3:18 PM | 📹 'OYO NEVER CLASHED WITH GOVT'
EARLIER...
In his message read to mourners on his behalf by Deputy Speaker of Parliament Thomas Tayebwa, President Yoweri Museveni described the late King Oyo as having been "a good leader of culture that never clashed with the Central government", who focused on mobilizing his people for development.
"It is a big loss," he said.
"When the issue of the new king of the Batooro is solved, we shall be happy to work with the king as we did with His Highness Oyo. I appeal to the Batooro to use peaceful and legal means to solve this matter and also look for maximum unity instead of division.
WATCH 👇🏽
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2:55 PM
En route to Karambi Royal Tombs for the burial of King Oyo.
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2:23 PM
The behind-the-scenes Vision Group crew ensuring that today's ceremony reaches your screens live on Bukedde TV, TV West and Wan Luo TV.
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2:08 PM
Next up is the 6km procession to the Karambi Royal Tombs for the next phase of today's sombre ceremony: the interment of King Oyo.
The hymn 'It is well with my soul' is played as the casket is wheeled from the funeral service site to the awaiting hearse, before the late king embarks on his very final journey to his resting place, where his father, Omukama Patrick David Matthew Kaboyo Olimi III, is also resting.
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2:02 PM
After the Omusuuga, Charles Kayondo Kamurasi (head of Babiito clan), delivers his message in Rutooro, the chief mourner, Deputy Speaker of Parliament Thomas Tayebwa, is invited to also deliver President Museveni's message. He does so in Rutooro and in English.
Museveni urges the people of Tooro to turn to peaceful and legal means to settle the succession controversy, which has been dominant in the aftermath of Oyo's death.
He says the late monarch was "a good leader of culture that never clashed with the Central government".
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1:25 PM | KABAKA PAYS TRIBUTE TO OYO
Buganda Kingdom's Prince Daudi Kintu Wasajja is invited to deliver the message of Kabaka Ronald Muwenda Mutebi II, who was a a guardian of a young King Oyo back in the day.
"From those early days, I watched him [Oyo] grow from a child, upon who destiny had placed an extraordinary burden, into becoming a king who bore the crown with dignity, courage and grace," says the Buganda king.
"The challenges that confronted him were many and formidable, yet he carried the weight of kingship with regal poise.
"Through changing times and demanding circumstances, he remained steadfast in his commitment to his people and faithful to responsibilities of his station."
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1:18 PM | 'MY SON WAS MY SHIELD, A PRAYER WARRIOR'
"My son was very caring, he was my friend and my shield. He cared about me a lot the same way he cared and listened to all his people in Tooro Kingdom. Whenever I was quiet, he would inquire whether I was okay or not," Best Kemigisa tells mourners.
"He was very respectful and despite his position as the king, he would often open the car door for me whenever we moved together. We always celebrated my birthdays and he rejected any ideas of celebrating his own birthdays in pomp and ceremony.
"Omukama was a prayer warrior, often leading the prayers every night before going to bed. He preached to us well and often asked us about our own ideas of what he had talked about.
"My son has gone at a time when I was beginning to enjoy him. I spent a lot of time with him in the hospital and he remained very strong, talking and smiling and he talked about God until the end. The king did not suffer."
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1:09 PM | 'OYO'S REIGN WAS GENERALLY PEACEFUL '
"The king's reign was generally calm and peaceful despite some disgruntled members of the royal family who attempted to destabilise his leadership in the past years," says the Queen Mother.
"The king had a excellent and cordial working relationship with the Central government and worked closely with His Excellency the President for the development and stability of Tooro.
"As we bury the king, I appeal for calm, stability and tranquility to prevail in Tooro Kingdom to maintain and sustain the gains and achievements he put in place."
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1:00 PM | 'A LOVING AND WELL-BEHAVED SON'
In her message, King Oyo's mother, Best Kemigisa, says her son had many traits.
She says he was down to earth, caring and a peacemaker who had developed very good leadership skills.
"He was a Godfearing king who was very well-behaved, loving and understanding, very humble and respectful and a good listener.
"He has passed on at a critical time when his leadership had started to be felt across the kingdom and beyond."
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12:50 PM | 'OUR HEALTH IS A GIFT'
Concluding her tribute, Komuntale has a message to everyone.
"Please take care of yourselves. Receive medical checkups regularly, and if something does not feel right with your body, do not ignore it, please," she urges.
"Seek proper medical attention, ask questions, follow up and if necessary, seek another medical opinion. Our health is a gift and we must do everything we can to protect it."
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12:47 PM | 'THANK YOU MR PRESIDENT'
Princess Komuntale also thanks President Yoweri Museveni for his "unwavering support toward our family from the time we were little children throughout our adulthood".
"Mzee, from the bottom of my heart, thank you for your love, your kindness and support towards our family. I will forever appreciate you, Mzee."
Oyo's sister also thanked all the other people "for every prayer, for every message, every phone call, every act of kindness and every expression of love".
"Your support has carried us through most moments when we did not know how we were going to make it through the next day."
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12:38 PM | 'TOORO PRIME MINISTER DID NOT KNOW'
Speaking before mourners, Komuntale seizes the opportunity to clear the air on Tooro Kingdom Calvin Armstrong Rwomiire Akiiki over his communication in response to speculations over Oyo's state of health back in August.
"I am aware that the Prime Minister received criticism from some members of the public who believed that he knew what was happening with my brother's health. I want to make it very clear that he was among the many people who did not know about my brother's illness," says Komuntale.
"Again, because we were cautioned by my brother to keep it very private. Because it is his health, it is his body, we had to respect it.
"So please, do stop all the criticism of our dear Prime Minister because he was also among those who were not in the know. He only learned of it toward the end."
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12:25 PM | 'THANK YOU MAMA'
Princess Komuntale also thanks her mother, Best Kemigisa, for standing by their side all the way, especially since the death of their father.
"When we lost our father, she became both our mother and father. Most importantly, she gave us something that has carried us throughout our lives: our relationship with the Almighty God.
"Mama, you nurtured us in love. And that love taught us to accept love to others. Thank you so much for everything you have done and for everything you sacrificed for us."
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12:18 PM | 'WE RESPECTED MY BROTHER'S WISH'
Komuntale has narrated her brother's cancer diagnosis towards the end of last year.
"My brother's cancer journey began in mid October of 2025 when he was diagnosed with angiosarcoma, a very rare and aggressive form of cancer that can spread very rapidly.
"Before his diagnosis, he had spent more than a year seeking medical evaluations while he was here in Uganda for the different pains he was experiencing. Sadly, he was not receiving the correct diagnosis. He was told his pain was likely related to strenuous exercise or ulcers and was advised to undergo physical therapy.
"By the time he received advanced medical evaluations and the correct diagnosis, the cancer had already spread significantly and was affecting multiple organs."
"When this news was shared with us, my brother cautioned us not to tell anyone. He believed that he was going to get better," says Komuntale.
"He did not want to create panic or fear among our family members or within the kingdom. And we respected his wishes of course because we, too, believed he was going to beat this.
"After my brother began receiving the correct treatment, the cancer cells started shrinking dramatically. He regained energy and those improvements gave us even more hope that he was going to get better.
"Sadly, in mid-July this year, things took a terrible turn. The cancer had been in his body for just too long and despite everything that was done, his condition became increasingly difficult.
"But even with everything my brother was going through, his faith remained intact. He never stopped praying and reading the Word of God."
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11:53 AM | 'I WILL MISS MY WORKOUT PARTNER'
Princess Komuntale says that despite his duties as king, Oyo never completely lost the young boy in him who loved to have fun.
"He loved a good workout," she says, adding that she will miss "my workout partner".
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11:47 AM | 'MY BROTHER WAS AN AMAZING PERSONALITY'
Upon being invited to address the mourners, an emotional Princess Ruth Komuntale, flanked by fellow princesses, pays tribute to "amazing personality" that her younger brother, King Oyo, was.
She pays tribute to "an avid farmer who loved his cows and animals" and who "spent time writing in his journal and breaking down the scripture".
Komuntale says Oyo was "always researching" and "he loved learning".
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11:06 AM | 'OYO'S RACE IS DONE'
"King Oyo has finished his race. He has gone back to the Lord, whom he accepted," says Archbishop Kaziimba.
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10:55 AM | 'CROWN OF LIFE'
"Earthly crowns are passed on. But heavenly crowns are for the believers forever. God will give us a crown of life, those who accepted Him," preaches Kaziimba, and pays tribute to King Oyo's open acknowledgement of God as the King of kings.
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10:42 AM | 'OYO WORKED FOR UNITY'
Dr Kaziimba says King Oyo worked so hard for unity for Tooro Kingdom and beyond.
"Let us promote it and this is how we can keep his legacy. One is to resolve to talk to each other and not to talk at each other.
"Let us promote peace, dialogue and stability."
The archbishop adds that his work is to remind everyone to do what King Oyo wanted to do and they pursue it, such as promoting youth centres and vocational training institutes, tourism, environmental conservation as well as sports.
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10:42 AM | 'IN GRIEF, UNITY IS KEY'
Archbishop Kaziimba says King Oyo may have died young with still a vision for his monarchy, but that "the details why he has gone early are known only to God".
"I pray that you remain united and seek comfort from God. In grief, unity is so key. Grief shouldn't divide us. Grief should bind — not grind or blind — us," he tells mourners.
"Words spoken in grief may cause pain, division and conflict. It can even destroy the legacy of this king that we are mourning. Even the kingdom itself.
"Moments like these can bring about historical conflicts and hatred. Let this public grief bring us together. We forget the past and begin a new chapter."
______________________________
10:38 AM | 'TIME FOR MANY QUESTIONS'
In his preaching, Archbishop Stephen Kaziimba Mugalu says: "This is a time of grief, sorrow and a time for many questions without answers."
He adds:
"Royal family, your help comes from the Lord.
"People from Tooro Kingdom, your help comes from the Lord.
"Dear Ugandans, in such a time, we don't have any help from anyone else apart from God."
______________________________
10:18 AM
The epistle reading is from 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18 and Gospel reading is from 1 John 11: 21.
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10:08 AM
The first reading is from Ecclesiastes 12.
Deputy Speaker of Parliament Thomas Tayebwa is representing President Yoweri Museveni as the chief mourner.
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9:42 AM | FUNERAL SERVICE BEGINS
Reporting by Nelson Kiva
As early as 6am, mourners had started thronging to St John’s Cathedral in Fort Portal City for King Oyo's funeral service ahead of his burial at Karambi Royal Tombs.
Oyo’s body arrived at the Catheral at around 9:30am accompanied by the Queen Mother, Omusuuga Charles Kamurasi, Princess Elizabeth Bagaya, Princess Ruth Komuntale, and other members of the Royal family.
The leaders attending the prayers include the Deputy Speaker of Parliament, Thomas Talemwa, NRM Secretary General Richard Todwong, Third Deputy Prime Minister Lukia Isanga Nakadama, ministers Gen. Edward Katumba Wamala (public service), Balaam Barugahara (local government), Gen. Jim Muhwezi (security) and Tom Butiime (tourism).
The royal dignitaries gracing the prayers include, Katikkiro of Buganda, Charles Peter Mayiga, Omuhikirwa of Bunyoro Kitara Kingdom, Andrew Byakutaga Ateenyi, the Katukkiro of Busoga, Joseph Muvawala, Nnabagereka of Buganda, Sylvia Nagginda, Prince David Kintu Wasajja, Queen of Bunyoro Kitara Kingdom, Omugo Margaret Adyeri Karunga, delegations from Eswatini Kingdom, Rwenzururu Kingdom and Kamuswaga of Kooki.
The service has started and the chief celebrant is the Archbishop of the Church of Uganda, Stephen Kaziimba Mugalu, assisted by the Bishop of Rwenzori Diocese, Reuben Kisembo.
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9:42 AM
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12:25 PM | 'THANK YOU MAMA'
Princess Komuntale also thanks her mother, Best Kemigisa, for standing by their side all the way, especially since the death of their father.
"When we lost our father, she became both our mother and father. Most importantly, she gave us something that has carried us throughout our lives: our relationship with the Almighty God.
"Mama, you nurtured us in love. And that love taught us to accept love to others. Thank you so much for everything you have done and for everything you sacrificed for us."
______________________________
12:18 PM | 'WE RESPECTED MY BROTHER'S WISH'
Komuntale has narrated her brother's cancer diagnosis towards the end of last year.
"My brother's cancer journey began in mid October of 2025 when he was diagnosed with angiosarcoma, a very rare and aggressive form of cancer that can spread very rapidly.
"Before his diagnosis, he had spent more than a year seeking medical evaluations while he was here in Uganda for the different pains he was experiencing. Sadly, he was not receiving the correct diagnosis. He was told his pain was likely related to strenuous exercise or ulcers and was advised to undergo physical therapy.
"By the time he received advanced medical evaluations and the correct diagnosis, the cancer had already spread significantly and was affecting multiple organs."
"When this news was shared with us, my brother cautioned us not to tell anyone. He believed that he was going to get better," says Komuntale.
"He did not want to create panic or fear among our family members or within the kingdom. And we respected his wishes of course because we, too, believed he was going to beat this.
"After my brother began receiving the correct treatment, the cancer cells started shrinking dramatically. He regained energy and those improvements gave us even more hope that he was going to get better.
"Sadly, in mid-July this year, things took a terrible turn. The cancer had been in his body for just too long and despite everything that was done, his condition became increasingly difficult.
"But even with everything my brother was going through, his faith remained intact. He never stopped praying and reading the Word of God."
______________________________
11:53 AM | 'I WILL MISS MY WORKOUT PARTNER'
Princess Komuntale says that despite his duties as king, Oyo never completely lost the young boy in him who loved to have fun.
"He loved a good workout," she says, adding that she will miss "my workout partner".
______________________________
11:47 AM | 'MY BROTHER WAS AN AMAZING PERSONALITY'
Upon being invited to address the mourners, an emotional Princess Ruth Komuntale, flanked by fellow princesses, pays tribute to "amazing personality" that her younger brother, King Oyo, was.
She pays tribute to "an avid farmer who loved his cows and animals" and who "spent time writing in his journal and breaking down the scripture".
Komuntale says Oyo was "always researching" and "he loved learning".
______________________________
11:06 AM | 'OYO'S RACE IS DONE'
"King Oyo has finished his race. He has gone back to the Lord, whom he accepted," says Archbishop Kaziimba.
______________________________
10:55 AM | 'CROWN OF LIFE'
"Earthly crowns are passed on. But heavenly crowns are for the believers forever. God will give us a crown of life, those who accepted Him," preaches Kaziimba, and pays tribute to King Oyo's open acknowledgement of God as the King of kings.
______________________________
10:42 AM | 'OYO WORKED FOR UNITY'
Dr Kaziimba says King Oyo worked so hard for unity for Tooro Kingdom and beyond.
"Let us promote it and this is how we can keep his legacy. One is to resolve to talk to each other and not to talk at each other.
"Let us promote peace, dialogue and stability."
The archbishop adds that his work is to remind everyone to do what King Oyo wanted to do and they pursue it, such as promoting youth centres and vocational training institutes, tourism, environmental conservation as well as sports.
______________________________
10:42 AM | 'IN GRIEF, UNITY IS KEY'
Archbishop Kaziimba says King Oyo may have died young with still a vision for his monarchy, but that "the details why he has gone early are known only to God".
"I pray that you remain united and seek comfort from God. In grief, unity is so key. Grief shouldn't divide us. Grief should bind — not grind or blind — us," he tells mourners.
"Words spoken in grief may cause pain, division and conflict. It can even destroy the legacy of this king that we are mourning. Even the kingdom itself.
"Moments like these can bring about historical conflicts and hatred. Let this public grief bring us together. We forget the past and begin a new chapter."
______________________________
10:38 AM | 'TIME FOR MANY QUESTIONS'
In his preaching, Archbishop Stephen Kaziimba Mugalu says: "This is a time of grief, sorrow and a time for many questions without answers."
He adds:
"Royal family, your help comes from the Lord.
"People from Tooro Kingdom, your help comes from the Lord.
"Dear Ugandans, in such a time, we don't have any help from anyone else apart from God."
______________________________
10:18 AM
The epistle reading is from 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18 and Gospel reading is from 1 John 11: 21.
______________________________
10:08 AM
The first reading is from Ecclesiastes 12.
Deputy Speaker of Parliament Thomas Tayebwa is representing President Yoweri Museveni as the chief mourner.
______________________________
9:42 AM | FUNERAL SERVICE BEGINS
Reporting by Nelson Kiva
As early as 6am, mourners had started thronging to St John’s Cathedral in Fort Portal City for King Oyo's funeral service ahead of his burial at Karambi Royal Tombs.
Oyo’s body arrived at the Catheral at around 9:30am accompanied by the Queen Mother, Omusuuga Charles Kamurasi, Princess Elizabeth Bagaya, Princess Ruth Komuntale, and other members of the Royal family.
The leaders attending the prayers include the Deputy Speaker of Parliament, Thomas Talemwa, NRM Secretary General Richard Todwong, Third Deputy Prime Minister Lukia Isanga Nakadama, ministers Gen. Edward Katumba Wamala (public service), Balaam Barugahara (local government), Gen. Jim Muhwezi (security) and Tom Butiime (tourism).
The royal dignitaries gracing the prayers include, Katikkiro of Buganda, Charles Peter Mayiga, Omuhikirwa of Bunyoro Kitara Kingdom, Andrew Byakutaga Ateenyi, the Katukkiro of Busoga, Joseph Muvawala, Nnabagereka of Buganda, Sylvia Nagginda, Prince David Kintu Wasajja, Queen of Bunyoro Kitara Kingdom, Omugo Margaret Adyeri Karunga, delegations from Eswatini Kingdom, Rwenzururu Kingdom and Kamuswaga of Kooki.
The service has started and the chief celebrant is the Archbishop of the Church of Uganda, Stephen Kaziimba Mugalu, assisted by the Bishop of Rwenzori Diocese, Reuben Kisembo.
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9:42 AM
The hymn What a friend we have in Jesus is played as the casket is wheeled into the cathedral for the start of the service.
Walking by the side of the casket is Oyo's mother Best Kemigisa, sister Princess Ruth Komuntale and other royal family members.
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9:35 AM | OYO'S CASKET ARRIVES AT CATHEDRAL
The casket carrying the body of the late King Oyo has arrived at a packed St John's Cathedral for the funeral service.
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9:16 AM | OYO LEAVES PALACE FOR THE LAST TIME
The body of Tooro's late king, Oyo, is about to leave Karuziika Palace for the very last time.
The casket bearing the late monarch, draped in the official kingdom's colours of blue and yellow, is carried by his subjects from the palace and placed into the gleaming hearse within the compound.
A procession led by the Uganda Police Force is now headed for St John's Cathedral, where the final funeral service is set to be conducted ahead of interment later in the day.
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8:54 AM | ARIVALS AT CATHEDRAL
St John's Cathedral in Fort Portal City has continued to receive mourners, including high-profile people like Nnaabagereka of Buganda Sylvia Nagginda Luswata and Katikkiro (Buganda Kingdom Prime Minister) Charles Peter Mayiga for the funeral service of the late Oyo, which will be led Archbishop Stephen Kaziimba Mugalu.
The representation here is diverse.
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8:37 AM | THE RITUALS AT BURIAL SITE
After this morning's funeral service at St John's Cathedral, mourners will form a procession behind the coffin for a 6km walk from the cathedral to the Karambi grounds on Kasese Road.
Dr Richard Rwabuhinga, the chairperson of the burial organizing committee, said the funeral is expected to draw about 100,000 people.
When King Oyo's body reaches Karambi, the ceremony will become more private. The royal tomb, or iziba, will have been carefully prepared before the body arrives.
The tomb is divided into two sections. The larger section measures about 6ft, while the smaller section is approximately 3ft.
Nine bark cloths will be placed in the main section. Before them, nine cow skins are laid along the walls of the tomb.
"The skins must come from cows that have never suffered a miscarriage, reflecting the traditional requirements surrounding the burial of a king. The tomb is cleaned and prepared with care," said Rev. Clovis Kyalimpa, the former Tooro Kingdom speaker.
Then comes the moment when the king is carried into his final resting place. There will be no ropes.
"Nine men will carry the omugutta into the iziba. Nine spears will also be placed inside," said Kyalimpa.
The number nine has echoed through the mourning period and returns in the burial rituals. Kyalimpa said the spears represent the king's continuing role as protector of his people.
"Even after death, the traditional king remains a guardian. The main section of the tomb will then be covered with the skin of a cow slaughtered on the night of the burial. The work inside the iziba will be performed by the Rwabaisanja, a traditional official who traditionally sits close to the king in the palace."
According to Kyalimpa, the small chamber of the iziba will hold some of the royal regalia, including the royal stool, the royal drum and the sword.
The stool represents the king's authority while the drum represents the institution of kingship. The sword represents his traditional responsibility to protect his people.
The arrival of the king's body at Karambi will be marked by a traditional exchange.
The body will be brought by the Omusuna, a traditional chief priest responsible for handling the king's body. At the tomb, the traditional custodian, known as Gasana, will formally receive the deceased monarch.
Then comes a ritual conversation: "What brings you here?" Gasana asks.
The response is that the bearer has come to keep someone there. "Who is he?" comes the next question.
"It is King Oyo," will come the answer.
He will be questioned about the king and the circumstances of his death. For Kyalimpa, this will be more than a ceremonial dialogue.
"It is a conversation between the living and the departed, marking the king's transition from the palace to his eternal resting place," he said, adding that only a small group will witness what happens inside.
Those will include the omugutta, the Omusuna and his assistant, performers responsible for the nine rituals and designated protectors.
The religious leader will also enter the tomb to pray for the deceased king. But after the prayer, he will leave. He will not cast soil into the grave.
"The final moments are left to the traditional custodians," said Kyalimpa.
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8:17 AM | CONCLUSION OF A CHAPTER
Today would have marked the 31st anniversary coronation (Empango) of King Oyo. It will instead mark the end of his remarkable three-decade reign; a day he is laid to rest following his death at the age of 34 in late August.
Oyo will be interred at Karambi Royal Tombs in Fort Portal city.
For nine days, Tooro Kingdom has mourned its monarch, with subjects and dignitaries filing through Karuziika Palace, the official residence of the king, to pay their last respects each day in memory of a king whose reign began on September 12, 1995.
Oyo ascended the throne at the age of three following the death of his father, Omukama Patrick Matthew Kaboyo Olimi III, becoming the youngest king in Tooro's history and one of the youngest traditional rulers in the world.
▪️ King Oyo: A life in pictures
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8:00 AM | THE BOY WHO GREW INTO THE CROWN
This week's Weekend Vision has a special tribute on King Oyo. Be sure to read about the boy who grew into the crown, the monarch who put youth at the centre of Tooro, how he sought to transform education in Tooro and what next for the kingdom after his departure.
You can read the e-paper 👉🏽 HERE.
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7:46 AM | SECURITY & TRAFFIC GUIDELINES
This graphic published by the Uganda Media Centre shows the security and traffic guidelines for today's burial ceremony:
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7:42 AM | ST JOHN'S CATHEDRAL
Archbishop Stephen Kaziimba Mugalu of Church of Uganda will lead the final funeral service for King Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru Rukidi IV at St John’s Cathedral Fort Portal.
Oyo, who died on August 27 at the age of 34, will be laid to rest later on Saturday.
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7:35 AM | A KING RESTS TODAY
Today, Best Kemigisa, Tooro's Queen Mother, will say her final goodbye to her beloved son.
Today, the people of Tooro will bid farewell to their king.
Today, Uganda will send off a son of the soil.
Today, with the rest of the world keenly following, we shall say goodbye to Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru Rukidi IV.
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7:30 AM | FINAL GOODBYE
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Walking by the side of the casket is Oyo's mother Best Kemigisa, sister Princess Ruth Komuntale and other royal family members.
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9:35 AM | OYO'S CASKET ARRIVES AT CATHEDRAL
The casket carrying the body of the late King Oyo has arrived at a packed St John's Cathedral for the funeral service.
______________________________
9:16 AM | OYO LEAVES PALACE FOR THE LAST TIME
The body of Tooro's late king, Oyo, is about to leave Karuziika Palace for the very last time.
The casket bearing the late monarch, draped in the official kingdom's colours of blue and yellow, is carried by his subjects from the palace and placed into the gleaming hearse within the compound.
A procession led by the Uganda Police Force is now headed for St John's Cathedral, where the final funeral service is set to be conducted ahead of interment later in the day.
______________________________
8:54 AM | ARIVALS AT CATHEDRAL
St John's Cathedral in Fort Portal City has continued to receive mourners, including high-profile people like Nnaabagereka of Buganda Sylvia Nagginda Luswata and Katikkiro (Buganda Kingdom Prime Minister) Charles Peter Mayiga for the funeral service of the late Oyo, which will be led Archbishop Stephen Kaziimba Mugalu.
The representation here is diverse.
______________________________
8:37 AM | THE RITUALS AT BURIAL SITE
After this morning's funeral service at St John's Cathedral, mourners will form a procession behind the coffin for a 6km walk from the cathedral to the Karambi grounds on Kasese Road.
Dr Richard Rwabuhinga, the chairperson of the burial organizing committee, said the funeral is expected to draw about 100,000 people.
When King Oyo's body reaches Karambi, the ceremony will become more private. The royal tomb, or iziba, will have been carefully prepared before the body arrives.
The tomb is divided into two sections. The larger section measures about 6ft, while the smaller section is approximately 3ft.
Nine bark cloths will be placed in the main section. Before them, nine cow skins are laid along the walls of the tomb.
"The skins must come from cows that have never suffered a miscarriage, reflecting the traditional requirements surrounding the burial of a king. The tomb is cleaned and prepared with care," said Rev. Clovis Kyalimpa, the former Tooro Kingdom speaker.
Then comes the moment when the king is carried into his final resting place. There will be no ropes.
"Nine men will carry the omugutta into the iziba. Nine spears will also be placed inside," said Kyalimpa.
The number nine has echoed through the mourning period and returns in the burial rituals. Kyalimpa said the spears represent the king's continuing role as protector of his people.
"Even after death, the traditional king remains a guardian. The main section of the tomb will then be covered with the skin of a cow slaughtered on the night of the burial. The work inside the iziba will be performed by the Rwabaisanja, a traditional official who traditionally sits close to the king in the palace."
According to Kyalimpa, the small chamber of the iziba will hold some of the royal regalia, including the royal stool, the royal drum and the sword.
The stool represents the king's authority while the drum represents the institution of kingship. The sword represents his traditional responsibility to protect his people.
The arrival of the king's body at Karambi will be marked by a traditional exchange.
The body will be brought by the Omusuna, a traditional chief priest responsible for handling the king's body. At the tomb, the traditional custodian, known as Gasana, will formally receive the deceased monarch.
Then comes a ritual conversation: "What brings you here?" Gasana asks.
The response is that the bearer has come to keep someone there. "Who is he?" comes the next question.
"It is King Oyo," will come the answer.
He will be questioned about the king and the circumstances of his death. For Kyalimpa, this will be more than a ceremonial dialogue.
"It is a conversation between the living and the departed, marking the king's transition from the palace to his eternal resting place," he said, adding that only a small group will witness what happens inside.
Those will include the omugutta, the Omusuna and his assistant, performers responsible for the nine rituals and designated protectors.
The religious leader will also enter the tomb to pray for the deceased king. But after the prayer, he will leave. He will not cast soil into the grave.
"The final moments are left to the traditional custodians," said Kyalimpa.
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8:17 AM | CONCLUSION OF A CHAPTER
Today would have marked the 31st anniversary coronation (Empango) of King Oyo. It will instead mark the end of his remarkable three-decade reign; a day he is laid to rest following his death at the age of 34 in late August.
Oyo will be interred at Karambi Royal Tombs in Fort Portal city.
For nine days, Tooro Kingdom has mourned its monarch, with subjects and dignitaries filing through Karuziika Palace, the official residence of the king, to pay their last respects each day in memory of a king whose reign began on September 12, 1995.
Oyo ascended the throne at the age of three following the death of his father, Omukama Patrick Matthew Kaboyo Olimi III, becoming the youngest king in Tooro's history and one of the youngest traditional rulers in the world.
▪️ King Oyo: A life in pictures
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8:00 AM | THE BOY WHO GREW INTO THE CROWN
This week's Weekend Vision has a special tribute on King Oyo. Be sure to read about the boy who grew into the crown, the monarch who put youth at the centre of Tooro, how he sought to transform education in Tooro and what next for the kingdom after his departure.
You can read the e-paper 👉🏽 HERE.
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7:46 AM | SECURITY & TRAFFIC GUIDELINES
This graphic published by the Uganda Media Centre shows the security and traffic guidelines for today's burial ceremony:
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7:42 AM | ST JOHN'S CATHEDRAL
Archbishop Stephen Kaziimba Mugalu of Church of Uganda will lead the final funeral service for King Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru Rukidi IV at St John’s Cathedral Fort Portal.
Oyo, who died on August 27 at the age of 34, will be laid to rest later on Saturday.
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7:35 AM | A KING RESTS TODAY
Today, Best Kemigisa, Tooro's Queen Mother, will say her final goodbye to her beloved son.
Today, the people of Tooro will bid farewell to their king.
Today, Uganda will send off a son of the soil.
Today, with the rest of the world keenly following, we shall say goodbye to Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru Rukidi IV.
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7:30 AM | FINAL GOODBYE
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