The Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF) has denied withdrawing the Tooro royal guards from Karuziika Palace, dismissing claims that members of the royal family and other residents were under lockdown or house arrest.
In a statement issued on Friday, UPDF Acting Director of Defence Public Information Col Chris Magezi said the army had instead reinforced security at the palace and surrounding areas due to the large number of people gathered there and security concerns linked to the situation in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
“The UPDF has NOT withdrawn the Tooro Royal Guards from the palace as alleged,” Magezi said. “Certainly, it is also not true that the residents of the Royal Palace are under lockdown or house arrest as suggested.”
Magezi was responding to a statement issued on Thursday by Tooro Queen Mother Best Kemigisa, who had claimed that royal guards had been withdrawn and that UPDF troops had been deployed around the palace, effectively placing the royal family under house arrest.
The UPDF said it was not involved in the succession process currently unfolding in Tooro Kingdom. “In essence, the UPDF is not privy to or involved in the succession processes currently ongoing in the Tooro Kingdom,” Magezi said.
He explained that the additional security presence was prompted by the scale of the ongoing events and the proximity of the palace to potential security threats from eastern DRC.
“On account of the magnitude of the ongoing event, the large number of people gathered, and proximity to security threats emanating from eastern DRC, the UPDF leadership decided to reinforce the Royal Guards with additional security for the palace and the surrounding areas,” he said.
Magezi said security forces had introduced access control measures, including searches and checks, while movements around the area were being closely monitored.
He also clarified the purpose of a visit to the palace by UPDF Commander Land Forces Lt Gen Kayanja Muhanga.
According to Magezi, Muhanga visited the palace to pay his last respects to the late King Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru Rukidi IV and inspect UPDF projects at the Royal Tombs, including roads leading to the burial site and other rehabilitation works.
“The CLF is satisfied that the UPDF Engineering Brigade has made excellent progress in executing the assigned works,” Magezi said, adding that he was confident the projects would be ready for the official burial of the King.
The UPDF also extended its condolences to Queen Mother Kemigisa, the royal family, the Tooro Kingdom and Ugandans following the death of King Oyo.
“The UPDF, working with other security forces, remains available to extend all the required support to guarantee security, calm, and the safety of mourners during this period of grief,” Magezi said.
The clarification comes amid a dispute within the Tooro royal family over the succession following the death of King Oyo on August 27, 2026.
The King is scheduled to be buried on September 12, with members of the royal family divided over the process for identifying his successor.