UPDF Commended For Support As Parliament Pays Tribute To Fallen Tooro King

The 12th Parliament of the Republic of Uganda paid tribute to the late Omukama of Tooro, His Royal Highness Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru Rukidi IV, who died on Thursday, August 27, 2026, in Dallas, USA.

This was during the 26th sitting of the 1st meeting of the 1st session of the 12th Parliament, chaired by the Speaker of Parliament, Rt. Hon. Jacob Markson Oboth-Oboth.

Members of Parliament, filled with deep grief, mourned the youthful King of Tooro in the presence of members of the Royal Family of the Kingdom of Tooro. There were emotional breakdowns in the House as legislators reminisced about the King’s promising life and the great plans he had ahead of him.

The Minister of Defence and Veterans Affairs, Hon. Kiryowa Kiwanuka, said he knew the King personally as a friend and described it as very sad to lose such an industrious leader at such an early age. He noted that King Oyo had accomplished a lot in his short time on earth, more than many who have lived longer, but it was God’s will.

The Defence minister extended his sincere condolences to the Royal Family and to the Queen Mother Best Kemigisa during this time of pain and grief in Tooro.

“I knew him personally and it is hard to appreciate and understand. But God’s ways are not our ways. He was here even in a shorter time he did more than many of us have done who have been here longer, we thank God for his life and pray that the family and Kingdom of Tooro gets through this very difficult time,” stated Minister Kiryowa.

Minister Kiwanuka informed Parliament about the involvement of the Ministry of Defence and Veterans Affairs and the Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces [UPDF] in the preparations for the mourning and burial of the late Omukama.

He said the UPDF Air Force helped in the transportation of the body from Entebbe to Fort Portal, while the UPDF Engineers Brigade is working on the roads to Fort Portal, grave construction and provision of security during the entire mourning period until burial.

“We are transporting the body from Entebbe to Fort Portal, working on road constructions and grave site,” said Minister Kiryowa.

The minister clarified that the UPDF is involved in the mourning and burial preparations and processions for King Oyo because it is competent, can mobilise itself as quickly as possible, and because it is a state function.

“We have the competence to do it, then we can mobilise ourselves as quickly as possible and this is a state official function where government is participating,” clarified Minister Kiryowa.

The Minister for the Presidency, Hon. Milly Babalanda, commended the Chief of Defence Forces and Senior Presidential Advisor for Special Operations [CDF and SPA/SO], Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba, for providing meals to mourners at Buziga and Karuziika Palaces during the mourning period.

“I particularly commend the CDF of the Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba for providing food for mourners at Buziga and Karuziika through the Ministry of Defence and Veterans Affairs,” said Minister Babalanda.

Minister Babalanda further commended the UPDF Engineers Brigade, under the Ministry of Defence and Veterans Affairs, for providing security, upgrading Karuziika Palace, and assisting in the burial arrangements at the palace.

“I commend the UPDF and the Engineers Brigade, under the Ministry of Defence and Veteran Affairs for undertaking this work to prepare the palace for mourners and dignitaries,” said Minister Babalanda.

The body of the late Omukama Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru Rukidi IV was taken to Fort Portal City at Karuziika Palace on September 4, 2026, where it will lie in state and be mourned for nine days.

Among those who paid tribute to the late Omukama were Members of Parliament from Tooro, Bunyoro, Bugisu, Buganda, Ankole, Lango and Kigezi, the Minister of State for Defence and Veteran Affairs [Veteran Affairs], Hon. Huda Oleru Abason, and Members representing the UPDF, among others.