A wave of grief is expected to sweep across Tooro Kingdom as the body of the late King Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru IV returns to Uganda on Thursday ahead of his burial.
The government has confirmed that the remains of the Tooro monarch will arrive in the country from Nairobi, marking the beginning of the final farewell for one of Uganda’s most recognised cultural leaders.
Yunus Kakande, deputy chairperson of the King Oyo funeral committee established by the government, announced the latest funeral arrangements while addressing journalists on Monday.
According to Kakande, the body is expected to arrive at around 10am, although the timing could change depending on circumstances.
He said President Yoweri Museveni will personally receive the body and pay his respects to the late King before the royal family and the people of Tooro.
After the official reception, the body will be transported by helicopter to Kyegegwa, the area regarded as the entry point into Tooro Kingdom.
From Kyegegwa, a special carriage procession will begin, giving thousands of mourners an opportunity to witness the return of their beloved King.
The carriage journey will move through different areas as subjects line the route to pay their final respects before the body reaches Fort Portal.
Many Tooro subjects are expected to gather along the way, mourning the passing of a monarch who ascended the throne at a very young age.
Upon arrival in Fort Portal, the body will be taken to Karuzika Palace, the official residence of the Tooro King.
The palace will serve as the centre of mourning activities for nine days as cultural leaders, government officials and subjects continue paying tribute.
The mourning period will provide an opportunity for the kingdom to celebrate King Oyo’s life, leadership and contribution to Tooro’s cultural heritage.
After the nine days of mourning, the late King will be laid to rest at the ancestral burial grounds of the Tooro royal family.
King Oyo died in the United States at the age of 34, ending a reign that began in 1995 when he was only three years old.
He became King following the death of his father, Omukama Patrick Matthew Kaboyo Olimi III, and grew into one of Uganda’s most visible traditional leaders.
His death has left Tooro Kingdom facing both a moment of mourning and questions surrounding the future succession of the throne.
As preparations for the burial continue, thousands of Tooro subjects and well-wishers are expected to gather to honour the late monarch.
The return of King Oyo’s body is set to mark a historic moment as the kingdom begins the process of saying goodbye to a leader who served for more than three decades.
