Tooro Royal Tombs Closed to Public During King Oyo's Burial Rites

The final resting place of the late King Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru Rukidi IV, the Karambi Royal Tombs, will be off-limits to the public during his burial ceremonies this Saturday. This decision has been made by the Tooro burial organizing committee to ensure that the sacred royal rites are performed with the utmost respect and adherence to cultural practices.

According to Henry Basaliza Araali, the Deputy Prime Minister of Tooro and head of protocol for the committee, public viewing of the King’s body will conclude at 5 pm on Friday. The following day, the King’s remains will be transferred from Karuziika Palace to St. John’s Cathedral for a three-hour prayer service commencing at 9 am. Attendees are urged to be seated by 7 am.

This cathedral service is designated as the primary event for tributes and speeches. Following the service, mourners, including members of the public, will embark on a six-kilometer procession on foot from the cathedral to the Karambi Royal Tombs to escort the King’s body. However, the public will not be permitted inside the burial grounds or near the grave itself.

Instead, attendees will observe the traditional burial rituals from designated viewing areas at a distance. The solemn proceedings at the royal tombs will be conducted under the guidance of the chief priest, known as the Omusuna, maintaining the integrity of the ancestral customs.

Source: https://observer.ug/news/public-barred-from-royal-tombs-during-king-oyos-burial