By Gorette Kajumba
www.mknewslink.com
In Fort Portal—
Tooro Kingdom subjects have continued to mourn their fallen king, Rukirabasaija Omukama Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru Rukidi IV, as public viewing of his body enters the third day at Karuziika Palace in Fort Portal Tourism City.
The nine day mourning period, traditionally known as “Okugaragara,” has attracted thousands of mourners who are turning up to pay their last respects to the late Omukama.
It is a somber mood at Karuziika Palace as Tooro Kingdom subjects queue up to pay their last respects to Rukirabasaija Omukama Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru Rukidi IV.
The body of the late King arrived at Karuziika Palace on September 4, 2026, from the United States, where he passed away on August 27.
Following the arrival of the body, the Tooro Kingdom declared nine days of public viewing, allowing subjects and other mourners to view the Omukama’s body, locally referred to as “Omuguta.”
According to Richard Rwabuhinga the chairperson organizing committee preparing for the final sendoff of the king, the public viewing takes place daily from 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., alongside prayers and traditional rituals.
However, mourners have been urged to strictly observe the cultural guidelines while inside the palace.
They are prohibited from taking photographs of the King’s body or answering telephone calls inside the palace.
The required dress code has also been emphasized as part of respecting Tooro Kingdom’s cultural norms and values.
As the third day of “Okugaragara” continues, religious and cultural leaders are carrying out their respective duties as the Kingdom prepares for the final send-off of the late King.
The mourning period has also attracted many young people, some of whom have dismissed misconceptions that members of the royal family cannot be publicly viewed after death.
Cultural custodians say these nine days are a critical period during which Tooro subjects are expected to carefully observe the traditions and customs surrounding the mourning of the Omukama.
Basemera Alice Kogere, a ritual performer at the palace, says mourners must be mindful of their conduct, including the words they speak during this period.
For many subjects, the nine days of public viewing are only part of the traditional process.
Moses Ikagobya says more cultural rituals will follow after the public viewing period as preparations continue for the transition to the next King.
He commends Tooro subjects for respecting the cultural guidelines and calls for continued discipline throughout the mourning period.
Meanwhile, mourners continue to travel from different parts of the Tooro Kingdom to Karuziika Palace to pay their final respects.
Marvin Mutongore from Kyenjojo District says he is honored to have reached the palace and witnessed the large number of subjects gathered to mourn their King.
Public viewing of the late King Oyo’s body will continue for nine days at Karuziika Palace, with prayers running concurrently with traditional rituals conducted by designated cultural custodians.
As Tooro subjects bid farewell to their King, Karuziika Palace remains a centre of mourning, prayer and cultural observance as the Kingdom prepares for the final burial rites of Rukirabasaija Omukama Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru Rukidi IV.