Rwenzori Bishop urges Toro to unite for King Oyo send-off
In a message to the people, the Bishop urged them to turn to God for strength, wisdom and grace as preparations begin to bring the King's body back home and organise his final send-off.
The Bishop of Rwenzori Diocese, Reuben Kisembo, called on the people of Toro to remain united during the difficult period. (File photo)
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The Bishop of Rwenzori Diocese, Reuben Kisembo, has mourned the death of the Toro king, calling on the royal family, the Babiito clan and the people of Tooro to put aside their differences and unite to give the fallen monarch a befitting send-off.
Bishop Kisembo described the King's death as “sad news” for the people of Toro and extended his condolences to the Queen Mother, the royal family, the Babiito clan and all the people of Toro, as well as friends and well-wishers of the kingdom.
In a message to the people, the Bishop urged them to turn to God for strength, wisdom and grace as preparations begin to bring the King's body back home and organise his final send-off.
“It is indeed sad news that our King has passed on. Sad indeed for us all,” Bishop Kisembo said.
“Let’s forget all our differences and get united for the huge task before us of organising a befitting send-off,” he said.
The Bishop said the immediate task should be to ensure that the King's body is brought back home and that he is accorded a dignified farewell befitting his status as the cultural leader of the people of Toro.
He also asked the public to pray for the royal family and all those affected by the death, saying God would provide the wisdom, grace and resources needed during the mourning period.
“Let’s indeed ask God to strengthen us all and give us wisdom, grace and resources for the body to be flown back home so that we give him a befitting sendoff,” he said.
“Our King has been a Christian and was cognizant of the fact that Jesus is the King of kings and Lord of lords,” he said.
Drawing comfort from the Bible, the Bishop cited the words of Jesus in the Gospel of John, Chapter 11, where Christ speaks of resurrection and eternal life.
He quoted Jesus as saying: “I am the resurrection and the life; he who believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live, and whoever lives and believes in me shall never die. Do you believe this?”
Bishop Kisembo said the scripture should provide comfort to the bereaved royal family, the people of Tooro and all those mourning the King.
His message comes as the death of the monarch marks a moment of profound grief for the Tooro Kingdom, with the royal family, cultural institutions, religious leaders and subjects expected to play key roles in the mourning and burial arrangements.