Police have issued traffic and security guidelines ahead of the burial of the late Omukama of Tooro Kingdom, Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru Rukiidi IV, scheduled for tomorrow, Saturday, September 12, 2026.
The arrangements are aimed at managing the expected large turnout of mourners, dignitaries and other visitors in Fort Portal City and surrounding areas during the burial ceremony.
According to the Joint Security Agencies, Traffic Police will maintain a heightened deployment along key routes leading to Fort Portal City and other areas associated with the burial.
Police spokesperson Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Kituuma Rusoke said motorists and members of the public should expect changes in traffic flow and temporary diversions depending on the situation on the ground.
“Traffic Police will maintain a heightened deployment along key routes leading to Fort Portal City and other areas associated with the burial ceremony,” Rusoke said.
He urged motorists to exercise patience, discipline and courtesy while warning them against parking along roads, access routes, entrances, exits and emergency lanes.
“Motorists are urged to exercise patience, discipline and courtesy towards other road users,” he said.
Rusoke said Buhinga Stadium will be available as a designated public parking area, while the Kabarole Hospital parking area will also be used for parking under the guidance of Traffic Police.
Parking at the Royal Palace, however, will be restricted to authorised and designated persons.
Several roads and junctions will also be restricted or closed to traffic as security and traffic officers deem necessary.
At Mpanga Market, motorists may be intermittently diverted towards Kamwenge Road, while the road branching off at the Royal Palace will be restricted to invited guests and authorised vehicles.
Kibogo Road will be closed to through traffic, subject to operational requirements.
At St. Stephen’s Church of Uganda, traffic will be diverted at Karambi towards the Buteebe–Bundibugyo Road.
Traffic restrictions or closures will also be effected at Maguru Junction, Virika Junction, the Kachwamba stretch and Kasusu Junction as directed by Traffic Police.
Rusoke said the arrangements could be adjusted depending on the prevailing security and traffic situation.
“These traffic arrangements may be adjusted depending on the prevailing security and traffic situation. Members of the public are encouraged to follow official communication and comply with directions issued by officers on the ground,” he said.
Security tightened
The security agencies have also established access-control points around key venues, including Karuziika Palace, St. John’s Cathedral Church of Uganda and the burial grounds at Amagasani in Karambi.
Mourners will be required to undergo security screening and have been advised against carrying prohibited, dangerous or suspicious items.
Police have also warned the public to remain vigilant due to the anticipated large crowds, which could create opportunities for theft, pickpocketing, robbery, impersonation and other criminal activities.
Rusoke urged mourners to report suspicious persons, unattended items or suspicious activity to the nearest security officer.
Medical response teams will also be deployed at designated points to respond to emergencies. Members of the public have been urged not to obstruct ambulances, medical personnel or emergency evacuation routes.
Parents and guardians have been advised to keep children and other vulnerable persons under close supervision. Police have also urged anyone who finds a lost child or encounters a missing person to immediately report to the nearest police officer or police station.
The Joint Security Agencies said the security situation in the Rwenzori Region remains generally calm but called for continued vigilance and cooperation.
The burial of King Oyo comes at the end of a nine-day mourning period observed in accordance with the cultural norms of the Tooro Kingdom.
Security agencies have urged mourners, residents, motorists, business operators and visitors to remain peaceful and comply with lawful instructions to ensure the late King receives a dignified and secure burial.
