Tooro Clarifies When Nine-Day Mourning for King Oyo Will Begin

The official nine-day mourning period for Tooro’s late King Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru Rukidi IV will not begin until his body reaches Karuzika Palace, the kingdom has clarified.

Earlier statements indicated that mourning and related traditional rites would start on Friday, one day after the king’s death was formally announced. In a statement read on Saturday, Omusuga Charles Kamurasi said the official period would instead begin when the remains are received at the palace.

King Oyo died on Thursday evening in the United States, where he had been receiving medical treatment. His body will be transported from the airport directly to Karuzika Palace and will remain there during the mourning period. The kingdom said the palace is the only official location where the remains will lie.

Traditional protocols, rites and mourning practices are continuing as preparations proceed. A five-member communications committee led by Fr. (Dr.) Charles Oyo is handling announcements about the death and funeral arrangements. The kingdom also said the Omusuga serves as custodian of its funeral and cultural ceremonies.

Tooro’s traditional rites allow flexibility over the length and details of mourning, so adjustments may be made depending on circumstances. King Oyo ascended the throne at age three in 1995 and was regarded as a unifying figure for the Batooro community and the wider Tooro Kingdom. His death has prompted widespread mourning.