The Tooro Kingdom has announced a nine-day official mourning period following the death of Omukama Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru Rukidi IV, while putting in place a 21-member committee to oversee the succession process.
The resolutions were contained in a statement issued on Saturday, August 29, by the Office of the Musuuga, the head of the Babito Clan, following a formal meeting held on August 28 at Karuziika Palace.
According to the statement, the Musuuga’s office will have authority and custodianship over all cultural ceremonies arising from the death of the King, including the funeral arrangements and succession rituals.
“The Office of the Musuuga holds authority and custodianship over all cultural ceremonies of the Kingdom arising from the demise of the King,” the statement reads.
The kingdom said the body of the late King will be transported from the airport directly to Karuziika Palace in Kabarole, which it described as the official seat of the King.
It said, in accordance with Tooro customs, the King’s body will not be moved from one location to another during the mourning period.
The nine-day mourning period will officially begin upon the arrival of the King’s body at Karuziika Palace, with all cultural activities organised with reference to the date of arrival.
Succession Committee
The Office of the Musuuga also announced the formation of a 21-member committee comprising elders of the Babito Clan to oversee the succession process.
The committee will be led by Musuuga Charles Kamurasi and includes Msgr Dr Isaac Mayombo, Fr Dr Charles Oyo, Omub Dr Kagoro Kaijamurubi, Omub Job Karamagi, Omub Gilbert Mujogya, Omub Mbogo Rukidi, Omub Isaac RwabwonI, Omub Justice Mugamba Paul, Omub David Mugamba, Hon Harriet Nyakake and Hon Muganzi Patrick, among others.
The committee will be responsible for identifying the successor to the throne, formally announcing the successor to relevant stakeholders and preparing the traditions and cultural ceremonies attached to the succession.
The statement emphasised that the succession to the Tooro throne is a cultural ritual under the authority and custodianship of the Office of the Musuuga.
Palace Communication Channel
The kingdom has also established a dedicated committee to handle official communication concerning the death of the King, funeral rites and succession process.
The committee comprises Fr Dr Charles Oyo, Musinguzi Moses and Omub Isaac Rwaboni, who will coordinate with the Omuhikirwa and other stakeholders.
The kingdom urged the public and the media to rely only on information issued through the official communication channel.
For coordination between the kingdom and the Government of Uganda, Hon Tom Butime has been designated as the official contact person.
The Office of the Musuuga further appealed to the people of Tooro, Babito Clan members, cultural and religious leaders, government authorities and friends of the kingdom to remain united and maintain dignity, respect and discipline throughout the mourning period.
It also said further communication on the cultural programme, including the Kutaabaza burial ritual, the nine days of mourning and other related activities, will be issued through the established official channels.
