Police have announced heightened security and traffic measures ahead of the burial of the late His Majesty Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru Rukiidi IV, the Omukama of Tooro Kingdom, scheduled for Saturday, September 12, 2026. The ceremony is expected to attract members of the Royal Family, cultural and religious leaders, government officials, dignitaries and thousands of mourners from Uganda and beyond.
The Joint Security Agencies said comprehensive arrangements have been put in place to protect mourners and invited guests, maintain public order, control crowds and traffic, and ensure that the burial takes place peacefully and safely. The security agencies said the nine-day mourning period has so far remained generally calm in the Rwenzori Region.
However, authorities have warned that the large number of people expected in Fort Portal City and surrounding areas could create opportunities for criminal activities. Mourners have therefore been urged to remain vigilant and watch out for theft, pickpocketing, robbery, impersonation, public disorder and other incidents that may occur during large gatherings.
Security screening and access control will be enforced around key locations, including Karuziika Palace, St. John’s Cathedral Church of Uganda and the burial grounds at Amagasani in Karambi. Members of the public have been asked to cooperate with security officers, avoid carrying dangerous or suspicious items and immediately report any suspicious people, unattended objects or unusual activities.
Medical response teams and designated medical points will also be available throughout the ceremony. People with medical conditions have been encouraged to carry their prescribed medication and, where possible, attend with someone who can assist them. The public has also been warned against blocking ambulances, medical workers and emergency routes.
Police have further advised parents, guardians and caregivers to closely monitor children and other vulnerable people because of the expected crowds. Lost children or missing persons should immediately be reported to the nearest police officer, police post or police station. The public has also been told not to touch or move abandoned or suspicious property, but instead report it to security personnel.
Traffic Police will maintain a heavy presence along major roads leading to Fort Portal City and other areas connected to the burial. Motorists have been asked to remain patient and follow instructions from officers on the ground. Public parking will be available at Buhinga Stadium and the Kabarole Hospital parking area, while parking at the Palace will be restricted to authorised persons.
Several traffic changes are expected during the ceremony. Some roads and junctions, including Kibogo Road, Maguru Junction, Virika Junction, Kachwamba stretch and Kasusu Junction, may be restricted or closed depending on the situation. Traffic may also be diverted around Mpanga Market, while the road branching at the Royal Palace will be restricted to invited guests and authorised vehicles.
The Joint Security Agencies have urged residents, mourners, motorists, business operators and visitors to remain peaceful and obey all lawful instructions. They also extended condolences to the Royal Family, Tooro Kingdom and all Ugandans mourning the death of the Omukama, calling on everyone to work together to ensure he receives a peaceful, dignified and secure burial.
