Security has been tightened around Karuziika Palace and other key venues in Fort Portal ahead of the burial of Tooro King Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru Rukiidi IV on Saturday.
Journalist Canary Mugume reported on Friday that security teams from the Uganda Police Force and Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) had restricted journalists from accessing Karuziika Palace and prevented mourners from entering the palace area with mobile phones.
The report came as joint security agencies announced extensive security and traffic arrangements for the official burial ceremony, which is expected to attract members of the royal family, cultural and religious leaders, government officials, dignitaries and mourners from across Uganda and beyond.
According to the security agencies, access-control points and security screening will be established around Karuziika Palace, St John’s Cathedral Church of Uganda and the burial grounds at the Karambi Royal Tombs.
“Members of the public are required to comply with all lawful security screening and access-control procedures,” said ACP R. Kituuma, spokesperson for the Uganda Police Force, in a statement issued on Friday.
The agencies advised mourners against carrying prohibited, dangerous or suspicious items and urged the public to report suspicious persons, unattended items or other suspicious activity to security personnel.
The restrictions come amid heightened security at the palace following disagreements within the Tooro royal family over the succession of the late King.
The UPDF on Friday denied claims by Queen Mother Best Kemigisa that the royal guards had been withdrawn and that members of the royal family were effectively under house arrest.
UPDF Acting Director of Defence Public Information Col Chris Magezi said the army had instead reinforced security around the palace because of the large number of people gathered for the burial and security concerns linked to threats emanating from eastern Democratic Republic of Congo.
The UPDF has said it is not involved in the succession process.
The joint security agencies said the nine-day mourning period was continuing in accordance with Tooro cultural norms and described the security situation in the Rwenzori Region as generally calm.
They warned, however, that the expected large turnout could create opportunities for theft, pickpocketing, robbery, impersonation and public disorder.
Media access
Media personnel covering the burial have been reminded to obtain accreditation through the Uganda Media Centre and carry valid accreditation credentials.
The security directive follows reports of restricted access to Karuziika Palace by journalists and mourners.
The burial programme will include a church service at St John’s Cathedral before the King’s remains are taken to the Karambi Royal Tombs.
The security agencies have also announced traffic restrictions and diversions around Fort Portal to manage the expected crowds and movement of dignitaries.
Buhinga Stadium will serve as a designated public parking area, while parking at the palace will be restricted to authorised persons.
Kibogo Road will be closed to through traffic, subject to operational requirements, while restrictions or diversions will also be implemented at several junctions and road sections, including Maguru, Virika, Kachwamba and Kasusu.
Traffic Police will maintain a heightened deployment on key routes leading to Fort Portal and other areas associated with the burial.
Members of the public have been urged to follow directions from security personnel and Traffic Police and to keep emergency routes clear.
King Oyo died on August 27, 2026, aged 34, following treatment in the United States. He is due to be buried at the Karambi Royal Tombs on Saturday, September 12.
