Uganda Prepares for King Oyo’s Final Journey as Government Unveils Full Burial Programme
Uganda is preparing to receive the remains of the late King of Tooro, His Royal Highness Rukirabasaija Omukama Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru Rukidi IV, with Government confirming that the body will arrive at Entebbe International Airport at 10:00am today, Friday, September 4, 2026, for the beginning of the official burial programme.
The announcement was made by Minister for the Presidency, Hon. Babirye Milly Babalanda, during a press briefing at the Uganda Media Centre in Kampala on Thursday. Babalanda said Government had mobilised its institutions under a Whole-of-Government approach to ensure that King Oyo, who died in Dallas, United States, on August 28, is given a dignified and nationally representative send-off.Babalanda said the Government response began immediately after the country received news of the young monarch’s death. During a Cabinet meeting chaired by President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni at State House Entebbe on August 31, Cabinet members paid tribute to King Oyo and directed Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja to coordinate all Government efforts together with the Tooro Kingdom and other stakeholders.
Parliament also joined the mourning on September 1 after receiving a statement from the Prime Minister. The sitting was largely dedicated to remembering King Oyo and reflecting on his contribution to Tooro’s social and economic development, as lawmakers joined the Royal Family and people of Tooro in honouring the late monarch.The National Organising Committee has since been coordinating preparations involving the Royal Family and several Government ministries. Babalanda said the remains had initially been expected to arrive earlier, but arrangements were adjusted, with the body now scheduled to land at Entebbe before being transported to the designated venues for the subsequent stages of the funeral.Government has prepared five major locations for the burial programme: Entebbe International Airport, Karuzika Royal Palace in Tooro, Buziga Royal Residency in Kampala, Karambi Royal Tombs and St. John’s Cathedral. Tents, chairs, public address systems, mobile toilets and cleaning teams have been deployed, while food will be provided to mourners for nine days at Karuzika and Buziga.The funeral will also feature a full state-supported protocol, including UPDF and Uganda Police bands, pallbearers, a gun salute, crowd control and heightened security. A-Plus Funeral Home has been tasked with key funeral services, while Government has covered the costs of executive funeral vehicles, portraits, condolence books, wreaths, the order of service, marble grave works and the Royal Mausoleum.
UPDF engineers have also been working on improvements at Karuzika Palace ahead of the mourners’ arrival.Babalanda said Government had settled the medical bills and repatriation costs incurred in bringing the King’s remains from Dallas through Nairobi to Entebbe. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs is coordinating with Kenyan authorities to ensure a smooth transit, while the Ministry of Health will establish a health camp to assist mourners with simple illnesses. Security agencies have also been placed on alert to protect mourners and property as Uganda begins the final journey of King Oyo.
