Tooro kingdom begins Karambi tombs renovation ahead of King Oyo’s burial
Maureen Katusabe, another resident, said that once renovated, the tombs would appear more cultural and significant.
The Karambi Royal Tombs, located about six kilometres from Fort Portal along the Fort Portal-Kasese road, have been in a sorry state. (Photos by Wilson Asiimwe)
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Tooro Kingdom has started renovating the Karambi Royal Tombs, where King Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru Rukidi IV, the Omukama of Tooro, will be buried.
The Karambi Royal Tombs, located about six kilometres from Fort Portal along the Fort Portal-Kasese road, have been in a sorry state.
Three Tooro kings are buried at the site. They are David Kasagama Kyebambe IV, who died on December 31, 1928; George Kamurasi Rukidi III, who died on December 21, 1965; and Patrick Olimi Kaboyo, Oyo’s father, who died on August 25, 1995.
Some of the works that have already started include repairing the road to the tombs and renovating the mausoleums where Kings Kasagama and Rukidi are buried.
Omusuga Charles Kamurasi, the head of the royal clan, is overseeing the renovation.
Gilbert Mwesige, a resident of Karambi, welcomed the renovation ahead of Omukama Oyo’s burial, saying the site had become bushy.
"We are happy that the kingdom has started renovation works at the royal tombs and we pray that they continue maintaining them," he said.
Maureen Katusabe, another resident, said that once renovated, the tombs would appear more cultural and significant.
On Saturday, August 29, Rev. Fr Charles Oyo, a member of the royal clan, said the kingdom was in contact with the central government through tourism minister Col Tom Butiime.
"Col (Rtd) Butiime will be the link between the kingdom and the central government; he will help to coordinate us," Rev. Oyo added.
Rev. Oyo said the kingdom would begin nine days of official mourning immediately after the body arrives at Karuzika Palace.
Speaking at the late king's palace in Buziga, Kampala on Saturday, gender, labour and social development minister Gen. Henry Tumukunde said plans were underway to have the body of the late king flown back to Uganda.