Security has been heightened at Karuzika Palace in Fort Portal ahead of the burial of the late Omukama Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru Rukidi IV on Saturday.

A heavy deployment of police and Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) personnel has been visible at the palace since Friday morning, with sniffer dogs deployed to conduct a thorough security sweep of the premises and surrounding compound.

The heightened security comes as the palace enters the final day of public mourning and viewing of the late king’s body. Omukama Oyo died on August 27, triggering days of mourning and preparations for his final rites.

Security has been maintained at the palace since the king’s death, with officers conducting routine patrols and screening mourners, officials, journalists and service providers entering the premises. However, Friday’s operation was notably more stringent.

At about 9:30am, people inside the palace were ordered to leave the premises and wait outside the main gate as security officers, accompanied by sniffer dogs, carried out a detailed sweep of the palace buildings and compound.

The operation followed a visit to the palace by Inspector General of Police Abbas Byakagaba, who also paid his last respects to the late king.

The late Omukama will be laid to rest on Saturday, September 12, at the Karambi Royal Tombs, the traditional burial grounds of the kings of Tooro.

Omukama Oyo, who ascended the Tooro throne as a child in 1995, became one of the world’s youngest reigning monarchs. His death at the age of 34 has sparked an outpouring of grief across the Tooro Kingdom and beyond.

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