The Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) has dismissed reports that it withdrew Tooro Kingdom’s Royal Guards from the palace, insisting that the security force has instead reinforced security around the royal premises amid heightened activity following the death of King Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru Rukidi IV.
In a statement issued on September 10, 2026, UPDF Acting Director of Defence Public Information, Colonel Chris Magezi, said claims attributed to the Queen Mother of Tooro, Her Majesty Best Kemigisa, that the Royal Guards had been withdrawn were incorrect.
Colonel Magezi also rejected suggestions that members of the Royal Family or residents of the palace had been placed under lockdown or house arrest.
“The UPDF has NOT withdrawn the Tooro Royal Guards from the palace as alleged,” Magezi said, adding that it was equally untrue that residents of the Royal Palace were under lockdown or house arrest.
According to the UPDF, the army is not involved in the succession discussions currently taking place within the Tooro Kingdom.
Magezi said the UPDF was “not privy to or involved” in the succession processes, stressing that the military’s role at the palace is strictly linked to maintaining security.
He explained that the decision to strengthen security around the palace was prompted by the large number of people gathering following the King’s death, the magnitude of the ongoing events and the palace’s proximity to potential security threats emanating from eastern Democratic Republic of Congo.
As part of the enhanced security measures, the UPDF said movements around the area are being closely monitored, while access control measures have been introduced.
These measures include thorough searches and security checks aimed at protecting mourners, members of the Royal Family and other people visiting the palace.
The clarification comes amid heightened public attention surrounding developments in the Tooro Kingdom following the death of King Oyo and ongoing discussions over the kingdom’s succession.
The UPDF further clarified the purpose of a recent visit to the palace by Commander Land Forces, Lieutenant General Kayanja Muhanga.
According to Magezi, General Muhanga visited the palace to pay his last respects to the late King and inspect the progress of UPDF projects at the Royal Tombs.
The projects include rehabilitation works at the Royal Tombs, roads leading to the burial site and other infrastructure works being undertaken by the UPDF Engineering Brigade.
Magezi said the Commander Land Forces was satisfied with the progress of the works and expressed confidence that the projects would be completed in time for the official burial of the King.
The UPDF also extended condolences to Queen Mother Best Kemigisa and the Royal Family following the death of King Oyo.
The military said it would continue working with other security agencies to provide the necessary support and maintain security, calm and safety for mourners throughout the mourning period.
The clarification effectively places the UPDF’s presence at the palace within the context of security reinforcement rather than interference in the Tooro Kingdom’s succession affairs.
