Luo unity highlighted ahead of King Oyo’s burial

By Mike Rwothomio

Officials representing various Luo cultural institutions, including Ker Alur, Ker Kwaro Acholi, Batooro Babiito, Banyoro Babiito, Babitokati and Mujwarakondo, have met at Karuziika Palace in Fort Portal City ahead of the burial of Tooro King Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru Rukidi IV.

The pre-burial meeting brought together the Luo cultural groups as preparations intensified for the King’s burial on Saturday, September 12, 2026, at the Karambi Royal Tombs.

According to David Rupiny, Director of Communications at Ker Alur, special cultural artefacts from Acholi and Bunyoro, traditionally associated with the burial of a Tooro King, were delivered to the palace on Friday.

Rupiny said all the Luo groups, including Ker Alur, were represented during the meeting, an expression of cultural solidarity and unity.

He quoted the Batooro as expressing happiness at seeing the different Luo groups represented at the historic occasion.

The development was shared by Rupiny under the caption “Unmatched Luo Unity.”

Security tightened for burial

Security has been significantly heightened across Fort Portal ahead of the official burial. The Uganda Police Force and Uganda People’s Defence Force (UPDF) have been deployed to manage crowds, traffic, protocol and public safety during the funeral proceedings.

Traditional security guards known as Abaduma are also providing cultural security for the King’s remains at key locations, including Karuziika Palace, St John’s Cathedral and the Karambi Royal Tombs.

According to officials, the public will not be allowed into the royal tombs during the final burial rituals, with access restricted to preserve the sanctity of the traditional rites.

On Saturday, mourners are expected to assemble at St John’s Cathedral by 8am. The body will leave Karuziika Palace at about 8:15am for the cathedral, where the main funeral service will be held before the procession proceeds to Karambi Royal Tombs.

The government has taken charge of the official burial arrangements, with security, crowd control, traffic management, protocol and ceremonial duties coordinated by state agencies in cooperation with Tooro Kingdom authorities. 

King Oyo, who died aged 34 after receiving medical treatment in the United States, ascended the Tooro throne in 1995 at the age of three and will be laid to rest at Karambi Royal Tombs on September 12

Officials from Batooro Babiito, Ker Alur, Ker Kwaro Acholi, Banyoro Babiito, Babitokati, and Mujwarakondo at the Karuziika Palace in Fort Portal City for a pre-burial meeting of King Oyo Nyimba Iguru Rukiidi IV.

Mike Rwothomio is news editor at Zoomer Africa your number one grassroot information hub for African news trends and updates