King Oyo’s Body Expected in Uganda on Thursday as Tooro Prepares for Final Rites

The remains of the late King Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru Rukidi IV, the former Omukama of Tooro, are expected to arrive in Uganda on Thursday, September 3, 2026, at around 10:00 a.m., marking a major step toward the beginning of his official funeral programme.

According to government officials, the late monarch’s body is expected to arrive at Entebbe International Airport from Nairobi, where President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni is expected to officially receive the remains and pay tribute to the fallen king.

After the official reception at Entebbe, the body is expected to be transported toward Tooro. Current plans indicate that it could be airlifted by helicopter to Kyegegwa District, after which it will continue toward Fort Portal in a procession designed to give members of the public an opportunity to pay their final respects.

The procession is expected to attract thousands of mourners along the route as people from different parts of Uganda travel to Tooro to honour the late monarch.

Body to Lie at Karuziika Palace

Upon reaching Fort Portal, the late King's body is expected to be taken to Karuziika Palace, the official palace of the Tooro monarch.

Tooro Kingdom has clarified that the body should remain at Karuziika Palace throughout the official mourning period, in accordance with royal customs. The arrival of the remains at the palace will mark the beginning of the formal nine-day mourning period preceding the burial.

This formal mourning period is separate from the public mourning that began immediately after King Oyo's death.

Preparations Intensify in Tooro

Preparations have intensified at both Karuziika Palace and the Karambi Royal Tombs, where the late King is expected to be laid to rest.

Workers have been carrying out improvements around the royal sites, including road and drainage works and preparations to accommodate mourners and officials expected to attend the funeral ceremonies. Access to parts of the Karambi Royal Tombs has also been restricted as preparations continue.

The Karambi Royal Tombs hold deep historical and cultural significance for the Tooro Kingdom and have traditionally served as the burial ground for Tooro monarchs.

Government to Accord King Oyo Official Burial

President Museveni has directed that King Oyo be accorded an official burial, while national flags are to be flown at half-mast for three days as a mark of respect.

King Oyo died on August 27, 2026, at the age of 34, while receiving medical treatment in the United States. He had occupied the Tooro throne for nearly 31 years after becoming king at just three years old in 1995.

His death has triggered widespread mourning across Uganda, particularly in Tooro, where hundreds of people have continued gathering at Karuziika Palace and other designated mourning centres.

As the kingdom awaits the return of the remains, attention is now focused on Thursday's arrival, the procession to Tooro, the nine-day mourning period and the final burial ceremonies for one of Uganda's most prominent traditional leaders.

Further details about the exact funeral programme and burial date are expected to be announced by the government and Tooro Kingdom as preparations continue.