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Tooro palace doors open for public last respects for King Oyo
Cameras and cell phones were prohibited to ensure that no one took photographs or videos.
The late Omukama (King) Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru IV casket arrives at Karuziika Palace in Fortal City, Friday, September 4, 2026. (Credit: Richard Sanya)
By: Nelson Kiva and Ibrahim Ruhweza, Journalists @New Vision
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Karuziika Palace in Fortal City has been opened to the public to pay their last respects to Omukama (King) Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru IV, who died in the United States of America last week.
The chairperson of the local organising committee for the king’s send-off, Richard Rwabuhinga, on Saturday, September 5, announced that public access to the main hall of Karuziika Palace will run from 11am to 5pm each day until Friday.
Shortly after the announcement, a long queue of the king’s subjects formed as mourners were guided as they filed through a room connecting to the great hall where the king's body lay in an open casket.
Cameras and cell phones were prohibited to ensure that no one took photographs or videos.
The first group, mainly made up of central and kingdom officials, included: Minister of Tourism, Tom Butiime and State Minister for Gender and Culture Affairs, Mary Grace Kuteesa Kamuli, the Omusuuga Charles Kamurasi, among others, filed past the open casket where King Oyo's body lay.
Regardless of status, they were all visibly emotional, with many shedding tears and sobbing or loudly wailing.
Many of the mourners who resumed their seats there after appeared crestfallen and were consumed by deep thoughts after seeing Omukama Oyo's body.
"It is difficult to believe that the king is dead. His body in the casket bears a close resemblance to how he looked while he was alive. He is dressed in his usual white tunic and black jacket," a middle aged teaches who chose anonymity said as he wipes tears from his eyes.
Regardless of status, they were all visibly emotional, with many shedding tears and sobbing or loudly wailing.
Many of the mourners who resumed their seats there after appeared crestfallen and were consumed by deep thoughts after seeing Omukama Oyo's body.
"It is difficult to believe that the king is dead. His body in the casket bears a close resemblance to how he looked while he was alive. He is dressed in his usual white tunic and black jacket," a middle aged teaches who chose anonymity said as he wipes tears from his eyes.
Similar sentiments were shared by many mourners interviewed by the New Vision and TV West journalists.
Evelyn Mbabazi, one of the mourners, came out in tears and said, “Noburungi-bwe bwana yafwa nabwo losely,” meaning, “He has died with his handsomeness.” She broke down in tears again.
Richard Polanda, a Mubiito by clan from Katooke Sub-county, suffered a sudden high-pressure attack.
On recovery after he received medical first aid from a medical team at the palace, Polanda said he felt overwhelmed after seeing the king he had once served lying dead.
Grace Tasha, a student at Mpanga Secondary School, described it as hurting to see him lying dead in the casket.
Later, the organising committee announced that the church service will be held on Saturday late afternoon
Evelyn Mbabazi, one of the mourners, came out in tears and said, “Noburungi-bwe bwana yafwa nabwo losely,” meaning, “He has died with his handsomeness.” She broke down in tears again.
Richard Polanda, a Mubiito by clan from Katooke Sub-county, suffered a sudden high-pressure attack.
On recovery after he received medical first aid from a medical team at the palace, Polanda said he felt overwhelmed after seeing the king he had once served lying dead.
Grace Tasha, a student at Mpanga Secondary School, described it as hurting to see him lying dead in the casket.
Later, the organising committee announced that the church service will be held on Saturday late afternoon