By Gorette Kajumba
www.mknewslink.com
In Fort Portal
The Central Organizing Committee for the final sendoff of the late Omukama of Tooro, Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru Rukidi IV, has unveiled the programme for his burial on Saturday.
Speaking at a press conference held at Karuzika Palace in Fort Portal Tourism City, Tooro Kingdom Minister for Internal Affairs and Protocol, Basaliza Henry, said the King’s body will be taken to the royal tombs at Karambi in Fort Portal Tourism City before midday on Saturday.
Basaliza said access to the royal tombs will be restricted, with only a limited number of vehicles allowed due to the traditional rituals and cultural practices that will be conducted during the burial ceremony.
The chairperson of the Central Organizing Committee, Richard Rwabuhinga, said public viewing and paying final respects to the King will end on Friday, noting that large numbers of mourners are expected at Karuzika Palace on Thursday and Friday.
He said the mourning period has attracted thousands of people, including representatives from different cultural institutions and government officials, among them Vice President Jessica Alupo and the Minister of Gender, Labour and Social Development Lt. Henry Tumukunde.
Rwabuhinga also outlined the programme for Saturday’s final send-off, urging members of the public and Tooro subjects who intend to attend church prayers to arrive by 8:00am.
He said there will be a few speeches before mourners begin a procession on foot to the royal tombs a gesture intended to demonstrate love and respect for the fallen King.
Only about 30 vehicles will be permitted to proceed to the royal tombs.
Rwabuhinga commended President Yoweri Museveni and the Chief of Defence Forces for the support extended to the Tooro Kingdom, the royal family and the people of Tooro during what he described as a difficult period.
He also applauded the media for its role in keeping the public informed about the events at Karuzika Palace and other activities surrounding the King’s final send off.