Museveni Dispatches Gen Tumukunde to Fort Portal Ahead of King Oyo’s Burial 

President Yoweri Museveni has dispatched the Minister of Gender, Labour and Social Development, Lt. Gen. Henry Tumukunde, to Fort Portal City to personally coordinate government support and oversee preparations for the burial of Tooro’s late Omukama, Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru Rukidi IV.

Gen. Tumukunde, who arrived in the kingdom’s seat over the weekend, revealed that his mission extends beyond his ministerial mandate over cultural affairs. He is acting as a direct delegate of President Museveni, who mentored and supported King Oyo from his childhood enthronement in 1995.

“I am not here as a minister only, but as someone delegated by the President of Uganda, because King Oyo has been his child,” Gen. Tumukunde stated. “We know the King can’t be a child in traditional terms, but he has been a child of the President because [Museveni] was deeply concerned and closely involved in his upbringing.” 

King Oyo passed away on August 27 at the age of 34, concluding a 31-year reign on the Tooro throne. His final send-off is scheduled for Saturday, September 12, at the royal burial grounds in Karambi.

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Gen. Tumukunde commended the burial organizing committee, chaired by Mr. Richard Rwabuhinga, as well as the head of the Babiito royal clan, Omujwera Musuuga Charles Kamurasi, for maintaining harmony and steering preparations without conflict.

The minister confirmed that the central government is working closely with kingdom authorities to handle all required logistics, finance, and security arrangements. He noted that inter-ministerial meetings are ongoing to resolve any lingering issues before the final rites on Saturday.

“Sadly, we lost a king whom we all loved; he brought a new light to the Kingdom of Tooro and Uganda, and we are heartbroken by the loss,” Tumukunde added, appealing to the media, stakeholders, and the public to maintain dignity and peace throughout the mourning period.

Succession Process Underway Behind the Scenes

Gen. Tumukunde’s arrival coincides with growing public anticipation regarding the succession of the Tooro throne. The Babiito royal clan established a 21-member succession committee, chaired by Omujwera Musuuga Charles Kamurasi, to handle the selection of the next monarch.

While public speculation has mounted over whether the late monarch left a biological male heir, clan spokesperson Mr. Moses Musinguzi reiterated that traditional rituals during the burial on September 12 will reveal the successor.

Under Tooro custom, the prince who performs specific burial rites—such as crossing the sacred Omusanga threshold and receiving the royal regalia will naturally be recognized by the public as the new Omukama.