Joint security agencies have announced heightened security and traffic measures ahead of the burial of Tooro King Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru Rukiidi IV on Saturday, September 12, 2026.
The burial ceremony is expected to attract members of the royal family, cultural and religious leaders, government officials, dignitaries and mourners from across Uganda and beyond.
In a statement issued by Uganda Police Force spokesperson ACP R. Kituuma, the joint security agencies said comprehensive measures had been put in place to ensure the safety of mourners and dignitaries, manage crowds and traffic and protect key venues.
The agencies said the security situation in the Rwenzori Region remains generally calm, but urged the public to remain vigilant due to the anticipated large turnout.
“Large gatherings can create opportunities for criminal activity, including theft, pickpocketing, robbery, impersonation, public disorder and other security incidents,” Kituuma said.
Security screening
Security zones and access-control points will be established around Karuziika Palace, St John’s Cathedral Church of Uganda and the burial grounds at the Karambi Royal Tombs.
Mourners will be required to undergo security screening and have been advised against carrying prohibited, dangerous or suspicious items.
The public has also been urged to report suspicious persons, unattended items or suspicious activity to security personnel.
Medical response teams and designated medical points will be available throughout the ceremony.
Security agencies advised people with medical conditions to carry their prescribed medication and, where possible, attend with a responsible companion.
The public has also been asked to keep emergency routes clear and report medical emergencies to the nearest medical team or security officer.
Missing persons
Parents, guardians and caregivers have been urged to closely supervise children and other vulnerable people during the ceremony.
Lost children and missing persons should immediately be reported to the nearest police officer, police post or police station.
The security agencies also cautioned mourners against touching or moving abandoned or suspicious property, urging them to report such items immediately.
Media accreditation
Journalists covering the burial have been reminded to obtain accreditation through the Uganda Media Centre and carry valid accreditation credentials.
Traffic restrictions
Traffic Police will maintain a heightened deployment on key routes leading to Fort Portal City and areas associated with the burial.
Motorists have been advised to use designated parking areas and avoid parking along roads, entrances, exits, access routes and emergency lanes.
Buhinga Stadium will be available as a designated public parking area, while the Kabarole Hospital parking area will also be used for parking, subject to guidance from Traffic Police.
The road branching at the Royal Palace will be restricted to invited guests and authorised vehicles, while parking at the palace will be limited to authorised persons.
Kibogo Road will be closed to through traffic, subject to operational requirements.
Traffic may also be diverted at Mpanga Market towards Kamwenge Road when necessary.
At St Stephen’s Church of Uganda, traffic will be diverted at Karambi towards the Buteebe-Bundibugyo Road.
Restrictions or closures may also be imposed at Maguru Junction, Virika Junction, the Kachwamba stretch and Kasusu Junction, depending on the prevailing situation.
The security agencies said the traffic arrangements may be adjusted depending on security and traffic conditions on the ground.
They urged motorists, residents, business operators and visitors to comply with instructions from security personnel, Traffic Police and event organisers.
The nine-day mourning period for King Oyo is continuing in accordance with the cultural norms of Tooro Kingdom.
The joint security agencies extended condolences to the royal family, Tooro Kingdom and Ugandans mourning the death of the King, and called for a peaceful and dignified burial ceremony.