Police has issued security and traffic guidelines ahead of the official burial of the late Omukama of Tooro Kingdom, Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru Rukiidi IV, scheduled for Saturday, September 12, 2026.
The Joint Security Agencies said comprehensive security measures have been put in place to ensure the safety of mourners and dignitaries, maintain public order, manage crowds and traffic, and secure key venues during the burial ceremony.
The ceremony is expected to attract members of the Royal Family, cultural and religious leaders, government officials, dignitaries and mourners from across Uganda and beyond.
In a statement issued by the Uganda Police Force spokesperson, ACP Rusoke Kituuma, the security agencies said the security situation in the Rwenzori Region remains generally calm, but warned the public to remain vigilant because of the anticipated large turnout.
“Large gatherings can create opportunities for criminal activity, including theft, pickpocketing, robbery, impersonation, public disorder and other security incidents,” the statement reads.
Security screening and access-control points will be established around Karuziika Palace, St John’s Cathedral Church of Uganda and the burial grounds at Amagasani in Karambi.
Kituuma asked Mourners to comply with security screening procedures, avoid carrying prohibited, dangerous or suspicious items, and immediately report suspicious persons, unattended items or unusual activities to security officers.
The security agencies also said medical response teams and designated medical points will be available throughout the ceremony.
People with underlying medical conditions have been advised to carry their prescribed medication and, where possible, attend with a responsible companion.
Parents, guardians and caregivers have also been urged to keep children and other vulnerable persons under close supervision.
Kituuma said lost children or missing persons should immediately be reported to the nearest police officer, police post or police station, while unattended or suspicious property should not be touched, moved or opened but instead reported to security personnel.
Media personnel covering the ceremony have been reminded to obtain accreditation through the Uganda Media Centre and carry valid accreditation credentials.
Traffic arrangements
Traffic Police will deploy heavily along key routes leading to Fort Portal City and other areas associated with the burial ceremony.
Motorists have been urged to exercise patience and follow directions from Traffic Police, with authorities warning that traffic flow could change depending on the situation on the ground.
Buhinga Stadium and the Kabarole Hospital parking area have been designated for public parking, subject to guidance from Traffic Police.
At Mpanga Market, motorists may be intermittently diverted towards Kamwenge Road when necessary, while 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, Virika, Kachwamba and Kasusu junctions may also be restricted or closed as directed by Traffic Police.
Parking at the Palace will be restricted to authorised and designated persons, while motorists have been warned against parking along roads, entrances, exits, access routes and emergency lanes.
Kituuma said the traffic arrangements may be adjusted depending on the prevailing security and traffic situation.
He urged mourners, residents, motorists, business operators and visitors to remain peaceful, observe the law and comply with lawful instructions from security personnel, Traffic Police and event organisers.
He also extended condolences to the Royal Family, Tooro Kingdom and all Ugandan’s mourning the death of the late Omukama, calling on the public to work together to ensure a peaceful, dignified and secure burial ceremony.
