Celebrating Life
In pictures: Oyo’s funeral service at St John’s Cathedral in Fort Portal
Oyo’s body arrived at the Cathedral at around 9:30am, accompanied by the Queen Mother, Omusuuga, Charles Kamurasi, Princess Elizabeth Bagaya, Princess Ruth Komuntale, and other members of the Royal family.
Oyo’s body arrived at the Cathedral at around 9:30am. (Credit: Richard Sanya)
By: Vision Reporters, Journalist @New Vision
By Nelson Kiva, Ibrahim Ruhweza, Wilson Asiimwe, Jonan Tumwesige and Samuel Amanyire
FORT PORTAL - As early as 6:00am, mourners had started thronging St. John’s Cathedral in Fort Portal City for King Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru Rukidi IV funeral service ahead of his burial at Karambi Royal Tombs.
Oyo’s body arrived at the Cathedral at around 9:30am, accompanied by the Queen Mother, Omusuuga, Charles Kamurasi, Princess Elizabeth Bagaya, Princess Ruth Komuntale, and other members of the Royal family.
Oyo’s body arrived at the Cathedral at around 9:30am, accompanied by the Queen Mother, Omusuuga, Charles Kamurasi, Princess Elizabeth Bagaya, Princess Ruth Komuntale, and other members of the Royal family. (All Photos by Richard Sanya)
The leaders attending the prayers include the Deputy Speaker of Parliament, Thomas Tayebwa; NRM Secretary General, Richard Todwong; Third Deputy Prime Minister, Lukia Isanga Nakadama; Minister Gen. Edward Katumba Wamala of Public Service; Balaam Barugahara of Local Government; Gen. Jim Muhwezi, Security Minister; Tom Butiime, Tourism Minister; Clerk to Parliament, Adolf Mwesige; among others.
The royal dignitaries gracing the prayers include, Katikkiro of Buganda, Charles Peter Mayiga, Omuhikirwa of Bunyoro Kitara Kingdom, Andrew Byakutaga Ateenyi, the Katukkiro of Busoga, Joseph Muvawala, Nnabagereka of Buganda, Sylvia Nagginda, Prince David Kintu Wassajja, Queen of Bunyoro Kitara Kingdom, Omugo Margaret Adyeri Karunga, delegations from Eswatini Kingdom, Rwenzururu Kingdom, Kamuswaga of Kooki, among others.
The service has started, and the chief celebrant is the Archbishop of the Church of Uganda, Stephen Kaziimba Mugalu, assisted by the Bishop of Rwenzori Diocese, Reuben Kisembo.
Security has been heightened to the maximum. Emotions ran high as the body made its way to the Cathedral. It was escorted with band which played gospel music.
The service was expected to last approximately one and a half hours, ending around 10:30 a.m. Four speeches would then follow, with the speakers being announced at the appropriate time.
Richard Rwabuhinga, co-chair of the King’s send-off committee, thanked the ushers and volunteers for their service and urged them to ensure that all invited guests were guided to their designated places.
Rwabuhinga said the activities at the venue were expected to conclude by about 12:15 p.m., after which mourners would begin the journey to the Karambi royal tombs, where the king would be laid to rest alongside his ancestors.
Security has been heightened to the maximum. Emotions ran high as the body made its way to the Cathedral. It was escorted with band which played gospel music.
The service was expected to last approximately one and a half hours, ending around 10:30 a.m. Four speeches would then follow, with the speakers being announced at the appropriate time.
Richard Rwabuhinga, co-chair of the King’s send-off committee, thanked the ushers and volunteers for their service and urged them to ensure that all invited guests were guided to their designated places.
Rwabuhinga said the activities at the venue were expected to conclude by about 12:15 p.m., after which mourners would begin the journey to the Karambi royal tombs, where the king would be laid to rest alongside his ancestors.
He explained that a limited number of vehicles would be permitted to proceed to the royal tombs, while the majority of mourners would walk the approximately six-kilometre distance.
Rwabuhinga described the procession as an expression of love and respect for the fallen king, saying it was important to give him “a befitting send-off and dignified send-off.”
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The royal dignitaries gracing the prayers include, Katikkiro of Buganda, Charles Peter Mayiga, Omuhikirwa of Bunyoro Kitara Kingdom, Andrew Byakutaga Ateenyi, the Katukkiro of Busoga, Joseph Muvawala, Nnabagereka of Buganda, Sylvia Nagginda, Prince David Kintu Wassajja, Queen of Bunyoro Kitara Kingdom, Omugo Margaret Adyeri Karunga, delegations from Eswatini Kingdom, Rwenzururu Kingdom, Kamuswaga of Kooki, among others. (All Photos by Richard Sanya)
Rwabuhinga described the procession as an expression of love and respect for the fallen king, saying it was important to give him “a befitting send-off and dignified send-off.”
________________________________
The royal dignitaries gracing the prayers include, Katikkiro of Buganda, Charles Peter Mayiga, Omuhikirwa of Bunyoro Kitara Kingdom, Andrew Byakutaga Ateenyi, the Katukkiro of Busoga, Joseph Muvawala, Nnabagereka of Buganda, Sylvia Nagginda, Prince David Kintu Wassajja, Queen of Bunyoro Kitara Kingdom, Omugo Margaret Adyeri Karunga, delegations from Eswatini Kingdom, Rwenzururu Kingdom, Kamuswaga of Kooki, among others. (All Photos by Richard Sanya)