General Henry Tumukunde has called on Ugandans to remain calm, peaceful and united as the country prepares for the official burial of the late Omukama Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru IV. Tumukunde said the government has commenced preparations to accord the young King a dignified farewell, while urging the public to avoid conflict, misinformation and division during the mourning period.
Below is a detailed update on the Government’s preparations for the official burial and the call for peace and unity.
” I have called this press briefing to update the country on the preparations for the Official Burial of His Majesty Omukama Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru IV, and, most importantly, to appeal to all Ugandans to remain calm, peaceful and united as we mourn the passing of our young King.
The Government of Uganda continues to receive with profound sadness the passing of His Majesty Omukama Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru IV. His death is a great loss not only to the people of Tooro, but to the entire country and to the international community that followed his life and reign.
His Majesty will be remembered as a peaceful, humble and unifying young King, who carried himself with dignity and respect.
He demonstrated a deep commitment to the conservation and protection of the environment, and was an important voice for environmental stewardship and the preservation of Uganda’s natural heritage. He was also passionate about sports and youth development, and used his position to encourage young people to pursue positive and productive endeavours.
As we mourn him, therefore, let us remember not only his position as Omukama, but also the values he represented peace, unity, conservation, sportsmanship, compassion and service to society.
Status of Government Preparations
Following the decision by His Excellency the President of the Republic of Uganda to accord His Majesty an Official Burial, Government has commenced preparations to ensure that the burial is conducted with the dignity, honour and respect befitting the institution of the Omukama and the contribution of His Majesty to Uganda.
His Excellency the President has assigned the Right Honourable Prime Minister to coordinate an Inter-Ministerial Committee responsible for overseeing and facilitating the preparations for the Official Burial.
The Office of the President is taking the lead in the preparations, deputised by the Ministry of Gender, Labour and Social Development, working closely with the Tooro Kingdom Administration, under the leadership of the Omuhikirwa wa Tooro and the Omusuga, together with other relevant Ministries, Departments and Agencies of Government.
The Inter-Ministerial Committee is coordinating all aspects of the arrangements, including the reception and transportation of the body, security, protocol, public health, transport and traffic management, accommodation, communication, public participation, ceremonial arrangements and the final burial programme.
We are also working closely with the Tooro Kingdom leadership to ensure that Government arrangements and Tooro Kingdom cultural protocols are harmonised and that the ceremonies reflect the dignity of the institution and the wishes of the Kingdom.
Further details regarding the official programme, venues, routes, ceremonial arrangements and other public guidance will be communicated through the appropriate official channels as preparations are finalised.
A Call for Calm, Peace and Dignity
At this solemn moment, Government makes a special appeal to the people of Uganda, particularly the people of Tooro, to remain calm, peaceful and united.
The period of mourning should not become a period of conflict, confrontation or division. We urge everyone to exercise restraint and to resolve any differences peacefully and respectfully.
Let us remember that His Majesty was a man of peace. The greatest tribute we can pay to his memory is therefore to conduct ourselves in the spirit of peace, dignity, tolerance and unity that he exemplified.
1 particularly appeal to political leaders, cultural leaders, opinion leaders, the youth and members of the public to use this period to promote peace, reconciliation and solidarity, rather than confrontation or inflammatory rhetoric.
We further urge the public to be cautious about information circulating on social media. Only official communication from Government and the Tooro Kingdom should be relied upon for information concerning the burial arrangements. The public is encouraged not to spread rumours, misinformation or messages that could create unnecessary tension.
Succession and Resolution of Disputes
Government recognises that the passing of a traditional leader may give rise to succession questions or differences, which must be handled peacefully, lawfully and in accordance with Tooro customs, traditions and Ugandan law.
Section 15 of the Institution of Traditional or Cultural Leaders Act, 2011 provides mechanisms for resolving conflicts within
traditional or cultural institutions, including disputes concerning who should be the traditional or cultural leader. Such disputes should first be addressed through recognised cultural mechanisms involving elders, clan leaders or a community-approved representative body, with recourse to the High Court where necessary. Coversment therefore calls upon the Royal Fanily, Tooro Kingdom leadership, clan leaders, elders and the people of Tooro to exercise restraint and allow the appropriate cultural and legal mechanisms to resolve any succession differences without confrontation or division.
Honouring Our King in the Eyes of The World
This is a significant national and international occasion. The whole world is watching Uganda as we mourn His Majesty.
The manner in which we conduct ourselves during this period will demonstrate who we are as a people and as a nation. Let us show the world that Uganda can mourn its King with dignity, discipline, peace, respect and unity.
Let us ensure that visitors, mourners, members of the diplomatic community and international media who come to Uganda expenence the warmth, hospitality and peaceful character of the Ugandan people.
Our Collective Tribute to King Oyo
As Government, we call upon all Ugandans to honour His Majesty by remembering his contribution to the country, particularly his advocacy for peace, environmental conservation, sports and the welfare and aspirations of young people.
Let us give him the farewell he deserves.
Let us mourn him with respect.
Let us protect his legacy of peace.
Let us preserve the environment he loved.
Let us encourage the young people whose potential he championed.
And above all, let us not allow grief to divide us or turn us against one another.
On behalf of Government, I extend our deepest condolences to the Tooro Kingdom, the Royal Family, the Omuhikirwa wa Tooro, the “
