Tooro Kingdom lion statues covered in Fort Portal as cultural activities take centre stage after Omukama’s death
The covering of the lion statues is a symbolic gesture to signify that the king, regarded as the ultimate cultural authority in Tooro, is no more. The exercise forms part of a series of cultural measures being undertaken during the kingdom's mourning period.
The covering of the lion statues was led by the Assistant Omusuuga, Bernad Kato Rwakatare, as the kingdom began implementing cultural practices that traditionally follow the death of a king. (Credit: Jonan Tusingwire
FORT PORTAL - Tooro Kingdom has covered all lion statues in Fort Portal City as part of cultural rituals following the death of King Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru Rukidi IV.
The covering of the lion statues is a symbolic gesture to signify that the king, regarded as the ultimate cultural authority in Tooro, is no more.
The exercise was led by the Assistant Omusuuga, Bernad Kato Rwakatare, as the kingdom began implementing cultural practices that traditionally follow the death of a king.
The covering of the lion statues is a symbolic gesture to signify that the king, regarded as the ultimate cultural authority in Tooro, is no more. (All Photos by Jonan Tusingwire)
The statue was covered as residents and kingdom officials looked on, marking one of the first visible public symbols of mourning for the late king.
The statue was covered as residents and kingdom officials looked on, marking one of the first visible public symbols of mourning for the late king.
The team later proceeded to the gates of Karuziika Palace, the official seat of the Tooro Kingdom, where three more lion statues were covered.
The lion holds deep cultural significance in Tooro and is associated with the authority and identity of the kingdom. The king is often referred to as the Lion of Tooro, making the covering of the statues a powerful symbol that the throne is currently vacant.
The covering of the lions has also transformed some of Fort Portal's familiar landmarks, with the normally visible statues now draped as the city mourns its king.
The exercise forms part of a series of cultural measures being undertaken during the kingdom's mourning period. The measures are intended to reflect the absence of the king and respect the customs and traditions of the Tooro people.
The covering of these statues was done with the help of a backcloth commonly known as Orubugo.
President's tribute
Prior, President Yoweri Museveni revealed that the late King (Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru Rukidi IV) succumbed to some "aggressive cancer", ordering that the King be accorded an official burial.
Additionally, all the flags in the county will fly at half-mast for three days: the eve of the burial, the day of the burial and after the burial.