By Alice
The Tooro Kingdom has officially entered a nine-day mourning period following the death of Omukama Dr. Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru Rukidi IV, as preparations for his final send-off get underway.
The mourning period follows traditional rituals conducted yesterday morning by the Babiito clan, led by its head, Charles Kamurasi.
Speaking during a press briefing at the Kingdom Palace, Richard Rwabuhinga, Chairperson of the organizing committee for the King’s send-off, said the traditional rituals served two major purposes formally announcing the death of the King and commencing the mourning period in accordance with Tooro culture.
Among the rituals performed was the turning upside down of the major royal regalia, including the royal drum, a cultural symbol signifying the end of the deceased King’s reign.
The Basita also led the ritual team to the main entrance of the palace, where the royal alarm was sounded to officially announce the death of the King.
Cultural practices to observe
Rwabuhinga, said several cultural practices will be observed throughout the nine days of mourning.
The Tooro Kingdom anthem will not be sung at any ceremony during the mourning period, while Kingdom flags will fly at half-mast across Tooro.
He added that the lion, one of the major symbols of the King’s authority, has been covered at the city centre and at the entrance to the palace, to symbolize the silence of royal authority following the death of the King and will remain covered until the succession process is completed and a new Omukama is announced by the Babiito clan under the leadership of its head.
Further preparations
A local organizing committee has already been constituted to coordinate activities during the mourning period and preparations for the King’s burial. Rwabuhinga said the committee will work alongside a national organizing committee expected to be established to oversee the wider arrangements.
He said the local committee will meet every day until the King is laid to rest, while ecumenical prayers will be held every evening during the mourning period.
The committee has also called upon the people of Tooro to remain united and embrace a spirit of togetherness as they mourn the death of their King.
Security tight
Meanwhile, the Resident City Commissioner for Fort Portal City, Asumini Nasike, has urged the public to cooperate with security agencies throughout the mourning and burial arrangements.
Nasike appealed to residents and visitors to comply with security guidelines to ensure that the King’s burial arrangements are conducted peacefully.
She also warned members of the public against spreading harmful propaganda, urging them to rely on verified information and avoid actions that could disrupt peace and security during the mourning period.
The death of King Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru Rukidi IV has triggered widespread mourning across Tooro, with cultural, religious and community leaders expected to participate in activities leading up to his final send-off.