Uganda’s military has denied reports that it withdrew security personnel from the Tooro Kingdom palace or confined members of the royal family following the death of King Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru Rukidi IV.
UPDF Acting Spokesperson Col. Chris Magezi dismissed the reports as false, saying the army had neither withdrawn guards from the palace nor ordered members of the royal family to remain inside.
The UPDF also denied having any involvement in the process of selecting a successor to the late king, saying the matter falls under the responsibility of the kingdom’s traditional institutions.
However, the army said additional security personnel had been deployed around the palace and surrounding areas because of the large number of people gathering to pay their respects to King Oyo, as well as security concerns linked to the situation in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo.
Col. Magezi said security measures had been strengthened, including screening and monitoring people entering and leaving the palace and other areas where large crowds had gathered.
He said the measures were intended to protect members of the public and visitors to the palace while ensuring that mourning activities could proceed safely.
The statement follows concerns raised by Tooro Queen Mother Best Kemigisa over security and the situation at the palace following the death of King Oyo, who died at the age of 34.
Meanwhile, UPDF Commander of Land Forces Lt. Gen. Kayanja Muhanga visited the palace to pay his respects to the royal family and King Oyo. He also inspected ongoing construction works on the late king’s tomb, which are being carried out by members of the military.
The UPDF said it would continue working with other security agencies to maintain peace, security and freedom of movement for people attending ceremonies to honour and bid farewell to the late Tooro king.
KIGALI TIMES