The Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) has denied withdrawing Tooro Royal Guards and placing the Royal Family under house arrest, as alleged in a statement issued by Queen Mother Best Kemigisa.
In a clarification issued on Thursday, UPDF Acting Director Defence Public Information, Col Chris Magezi, said the army had not withdrawn the Royal Guards from the palace and that reports suggesting the palace residents were under lockdown or house arrest were untrue.
Col Magezi said the UPDF was neither privy to nor involved in the succession processes currently taking place in the Tooro Kingdom.
He, however, said the army had reinforced security at the palace and surrounding areas because of the large number of people gathered for the ongoing events and the proximity of the kingdom to security threats emanating from eastern Democratic Republic of Congo.
“Movements are being closely monitored, with access control measures such as thorough search and checks introduced to ensure everyone’s safety,” Col Magezi said.
He added that the additional security was intended to guarantee the safety of mourners, the Royal Family and other people attending activities related to the death and burial of the late King Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru Rukidi IV.
Col Magezi also clarified that Commander Land Forces Lt Gen Kayanja Muhanga recently visited the palace to pay his last respects to the fallen King and inspect the progress of UPDF projects at the Royal Tombs.
The projects include rehabilitation of the roads leading to the Royal Tombs and other works being undertaken by the UPDF Engineering Brigade ahead of the King’s burial.
According to Col Magezi, Lt Gen Muhanga was satisfied with the progress of the works and expressed confidence that the engineering team would complete them in time for the official burial of the King.
The UPDF extended its condolences to the Queen Mother, Royal Family, the Tooro Kingdom and the people of Uganda and the region following the death of the King.
“The UPDF, working with other security forces, remains available to extend all the required support to guarantee security, calm and the safety of mourners during this period of grief,” Col Magezi said.
