The Joint Security Agencies, operating under the established inter-agency security framework, wish to inform the public of the security and traffic arrangements for the official burial ceremony of the late His Majesty Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru Rukiidi IV, the Omukama of Tooro Kingdom, scheduled for Saturday, 12 September 2026.
The burial ceremony is expected to attract members of the Royal Family, cultural and religious leaders, Government officials, dignitaries, and mourners from different parts of Uganda and beyond.
Comprehensive security measures have therefore been put in place to ensure the safety of mourners and dignitaries, maintain public order, manage crowds and traffic, protect key venues, and facilitate the peaceful, safe and successful conclusion of the ceremony.
The nine-day mourning period is ongoing in accordance with the cultural norms of Tooro Kingdom. We thank mourners and members of the public for the decorum, calm and cooperation demonstrated so far. The security situation in the Rwenzori Region remains generally calm.
However, due to the anticipated large turnout on Saturday, 12 September 2026, members of the public are urged to remain vigilant and cooperate fully with the security agencies and the organising committee. Large gatherings can create opportunities for criminal activity, including theft, pickpocketing, robbery, impersonation, public disorder and other security incidents.
The Joint Security Agencies wish to announce the following security measures:
1. ACCESS CONTROL AND SECURITY SCREENING
There will be clearly marked security zones and access-control points around the following designated areas:
– Karuziika Palace;
– St. John’s Cathedral Church of Uganda; and
– The burial grounds (Amagasani) in Karambi.
Members of the public are required to comply with all lawful security screening and access-control procedures.
Members of the public are advised not to carry prohibited, dangerous or suspicious items to the venues.
Mourners are encouraged to immediately report any suspicious persons, unattended items or suspicious activity to the nearest security officer.
2. MEDICAL EMERGENCIES
Medical response teams and designated medical-response points will be available throughout the burial ceremony to respond to emergencies.
Members of the public with underlying medical conditions are encouraged to carry their prescribed medication and, where possible, attend with a responsible companion.
Any person who collapses, faints or requires urgent medical attention should be promptly reported to the nearest medical team or security officer.
Members of the public must not obstruct ambulances, medical personnel or emergency evacuation routes.
Security personnel will guide emergency cases to the designated medical-response points.
3. MISSING PERSONS AND ABANDONED PROPERTY
Parents, guardians and caregivers are strongly advised to keep children and other vulnerable persons under close supervision.
Any lost child or missing person should immediately be reported to the nearest police officer, police post or police station.
Any child found separated from a parent or guardian should be handed over to a police officer or authorised security personnel.
Members of the public who come across unattended, abandoned or suspicious property should not touch, move or open it. Such property should be reported immediately to the nearest police officer or security personnel.
Mourners are advised to keep their personal belongings and valuables secure at all times.
4. MEDIA
Media personnel are reminded to pursue accreditation through the Uganda Media Centre and to carry their valid accreditation credentials while covering the ceremony.
5. TRAFFIC CONTROL AND REGULATION
Traffic Police will maintain a heightened deployment along key routes leading to Fort Portal City and other areas associated with the burial ceremony.
Motorists are urged to exercise patience, discipline and courtesy towards other road users.
Members of the public are advised to use only designated parking areas and to avoid parking along roads, access routes, entrances, exits and emergency lanes.
All routes designated for emergency vehicles must remain clear at all times.
Motorists and members of the public should expect changes in traffic flow and temporary diversions depending on the prevailing situation on the ground.
The following traffic arrangements will apply, subject to operational requirements:
– At Mpanga Market area, motorists may be diverted intermittently towards Kamwenge Road when necessary.
– Buhinga Stadium will be available as a designated public parking area.
– The road branching at the Royal Palace will be restricted to invited guests and authorised vehicles.
– Kibogo Road will be closed to through traffic, subject to operational requirements.
– At St. Stephen’s Church of Uganda, traffic will be diverted at Karambi towards the Buteebe–Bundibugyo Road.
– Maguru Junction will be restricted or closed as directed by Traffic Police.
– Virika Junction will be restricted or closed as directed by Traffic Police.
– The Kachwamba stretch will be restricted or closed as directed by Traffic Police.
– Kasusu Junction will be restricted or closed as directed by Traffic Police.
– The Kabarole Hospital parking area will also be used as a designated parking area, subject to guidance from Traffic Police.
– Parking at the Palace will be restricted to authorised and designated persons only.
These traffic arrangements may be adjusted depending on the prevailing security and traffic situation. Members of the public are encouraged to follow official communication and comply with directions issued by officers on the ground.
The Joint Security Agencies extend their condolences to the Royal Family, Tooro Kingdom and all Ugandans mourning the passing of the late Omukama.
We call upon all mourners, residents, motorists, business operators and visitors to cooperate with the security arrangements, remain peaceful, observe the law and comply with all lawful instructions issued by security personnel, Traffic Police and event organisers.
Together, let us accord the late Omukama a peaceful, dignified and secure burial ceremony.
R. KITUUMA, psc (U)
ACP
PRO, UGANDA POLICE FORCE
