The remains of the fallen Tooro monarch, Omukama Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru Rukidi IV, have arrived in the kingdom, marking the beginning of an emotional homecoming for a king whose reign spanned three decades.
The casket carrying the 34-year-old monarch was flown from Entebbe by a Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) helicopter and landed at exactly 2:05 pm on Friday at Humura Uganda Playground in Kyegegwa Town Council, Kyegegwa District.
Thousands of mourners had gathered at the playground, many standing in silence as they waited for the arrival of the remains.
The remains had earlier been received at Entebbe International Airport by President Yoweri Museveni before being flown to Kyegegwa, the starting point of a solemn road journey through the heart of Tooro. Accompanying the remains are the Queen Mother, Best Kemigisa, Princess Ruth Komuntale, Princess Elizabeth Bagaya and other members of the royal family.
At Humura Playground, religious leaders led brief prayers before the casket was placed in a VVIP hearse for the journey to Fort Portal City, allowing thousands of the Omukama’s subjects along the route an opportunity to pay their final respects. The procession is expected to travel through Kyaka County in Kyegegwa District, Mwenge in Kyenjojo District, Burahya in Kabarole District and onward to Fort Portal City.
Anna Mugisa, a resident of Kyegegwa, said she struggled to believe that the Omukama had died until she saw the casket carrying his remains.
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