Museveni Covers Costs for Late King Oyo's Repatriation and Funeral

President Yoweri Museveni has stepped in to cover the medical and repatriation costs for the late Omukama of Tooro, Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru Rukidi IV, whose remains are en route to Uganda from the United States. Minister for the Presidency, Milly Babalanda, informed Parliament on Thursday that the President provided the necessary funds for the king’s passing and the transportation of his body from Dallas, Texas, via Nairobi, to Entebbe.

The government is working in tandem with the Tooro royal family and kingdom officials to manage the funeral arrangements. The remains are slated to arrive at Entebbe International Airport on Friday morning, where President Museveni is expected to receive them before they are flown to Kyegegwa. From there, a road procession will proceed to Fort Portal, allowing subjects to pay their final respects.

King Oyo’s body will lie in state at Karuzika Royal Palace from September 4 to September 12, providing an eight-day window for the public, friends, and dignitaries to pay their respects. Daily evening services will be held, offering opportunities for eulogies. The official burial is scheduled for September 12, the same date that would have marked the king’s 31st coronation anniversary.

The government has mobilized substantial logistical, security, and protocol support, with preparations underway at key locations including Entebbe Airport, Karuzika Royal Palace, and St. John’s Cathedral. This includes provisions for tents, chairs, public address systems, and sanitation. The Chief of Defence Forces, Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba, has also contributed to feeding mourners.

Funeral management expenses, such as transportation, caskets, and grave preparation, are being handled by the government through A-Plus Funeral Home. Security agencies are deployed to ensure crowd management and public safety, while the UPDF Engineers Brigade is renovating the Karuzika Royal Palace. The Ministry of Health will also provide medical services to mourners.

King Oyo passed away on August 28, 2026, at the age of 34, after a 31-year reign, succumbing to cancer.

Source: The Observer (Uganda)