📸 Security tightens, bans phones at Karuziika Palace ahead of Oyo’s burial

FORT PORTAL - There was a major security sweep at Karuziika Palace on Friday as authorities ordered mourners, service providers, and non-essential staff out of the Palace, barring subjects from entering the palace grounds with mobile phones.

The move came after the Inspector General of Police (IGP) Abas Byakagaba visited the palace. It was then that mourners were ordered out of the premises as security conducted thorough checks with the deployment of sniffer dogs. 

Inspector General of Police (IGP) Abas Byakagaba visited the palace. It was then that mourners were ordered out of the premises as security conducted thorough checks with the deployment of sniffer dogs. (All Photos by Richard Sanya)

Minutes later, mourners were allowed back into the palace to view the body of Omukama Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru Rukiidi IV as the monarch concludes the nine-day mourning period, but this time each mourner left their phones outside at the main entrance with deployed security personnel.

The entire security within and along roads leading to the palace has also been tightened at strategic points, including at St. John's Cathedral, where a church service will be held on Saturday (September 12, 2026) before Oyo's burial at Karanbi Royal Tombs. 

Archbishop His Grace Kazimba Mugalu will preside over the funeral service at St John's Cathedral, assisted by Rt. Rev. Reuben Kisembo, Bishop of Ruwenzori Diocese.

During the service, only four speeches will be delivered, namely: King Oyo's sister, Princess Ruth Nsemere Komuntale; the Queen Mother Best Kemigisa; the head of the Babiito royal clan, Charles Kamurasi; and President Yoweri Museveni or his representative.

Oyo died in the United States of America on August 27, 2026, aged 34 years. 

He was crowned as the 12th King of Tooro Kingdom on September 12, 1995. Aged three years, he took the throne following the sudden death of his father, King Patrick David Matthew Kaboyo Olimi III.

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After a thorough security check, mourners were allowed back into the palace to view the body of Omukama Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru Rukiidi IV as the monarch concluded the nine-day mourning period, but this time each mourner left their phones outside at the main entrance with deployed security personnel. (All Photos by Richard Sanya)