The Independent Uganda: You get the Truth we Pay the Price
Fort Portal, Uganda | URN | The proposed event-management budget for the funeral and burial of the late Tooro King Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru Rukidi IV has been estimated at Shs1.724 billion before Value Added Tax (VAT), according to a budget submitted to the Ministry of Gender, Labour and Social Development.
The budget, dated August 29, 2026, puts the direct event costs at Shs1.59675 billion, followed by an eight per cent event-management fee of Shs127.74 million, bringing the total to Shs1.72449 billion before the 18 per cent VAT listed in the document. The expenditure covers preparations at several locations, including the airport reception, Buziga Royal Palace, Karambi Tombs, Kaberole Church and Karuziika Royal Palace.
At the Karambi Tombs, the royal burial grounds, the budget allocates Shs60 million for a 30-metre by 70-metre dome tent and Shs30 million for VIP-area floor boarding. Other major expenses at the burial grounds include Shs15 million for a PA system designed for 4,000 people, Shs16 million for eight live-feed LED screens, Shs20 million for cultural-themed decoration and Shs10 million for cultural entertainment, MCs and a DJ.
The budget also provides Shs10.8 million for three 150 KVA generators with fuel, Shs7.6 million for live-feed and broadcast streaming, Shs7 million for bouncers and private security, and Shs4 million for mobile toilets. At Karuziika Royal Palace, where preparations are expected to run for 14 days, the budget includes Shs98 million for a 20-metre by 30-metre VVIP over-deck terrace, Shs56 million for tents in the palace gardens and Shs49 million for a parking tent.
A further Shs42 million is budgeted for a tent at the old palace, while Shs42 million is allocated for PA services and another Shs44.8 million for two generators with fuel. One of the largest individual allocations in the budget is Shs168 million for six LED screens, each measuring 3.5 metres by two metres, at Karuziika Royal Palace. The palace preparations also include Shs60 million for decoration from the funeral through to the coronation, Shs34 million for floor boarding, Shs33.6 million for lighting, and Shs42 million for plastic chairs and linen.
The logistics budget includes Shs60.2 million for 14 large equipment trucks, Shs50.4 million for accommodation and upkeep of a 24-member B Team, and Shs21 million for accommodation and upkeep of a six-member A Team. Another Shs14 million is allocated for a local event-support crew, while Shs8.4 million is provided for passenger vehicles and Shs2 million for fuel for movements within Fort Portal. Media and publicity activities are also a significant component of the proposed expenditure.
The budget provides Shs35 million for a 14-day content team covering videography and photography, including cameramen, camera equipment, a drone, audio and lighting equipment, photographers, editors, and post-production services. It further allocates Shs18 million for event printing and branding, Shs12 million for blogs and media coverage, Shs20 million for production of a tribute video and slideshow, and Shs48 million for 4,000 A4 programme booklets.
At the airport reception, the proposed expenditure includes Shs3 million for a 15-metre by 10-metre tent, Shs2 million for a red carpet, Shs2.5 million for cultural decoration, and Shs5 million for a cultural reception. The airport package also includes Shs8 million for media and press coverage, Shs2.5 million for printing and branding, and Shs1 million for a PA system. At Buziga Royal Palace, the budget includes Shs42 million for two large tents hired for seven days, Shs18 million for roadside Tooro Kingdom branding, and Shs7 million for a PA system.
Other allocations at the venue include Shs5.6 million for transport, Shs5.6 million for tables, Shs5.6 million for executive mobile toilets, and Shs4.55 million for a generator with fuel. At Kaberole Church, the proposed expenditure includes Shs15 million for a 1,000-person tent, Shs8 million for a 300-person tent, and Shs25 million for decoration. The budget also provides Shs8 million for a PA system, Shs5 million for lighting, and Shs3.6 million for a generator and fuel. The budget does not state the final amount inclusive of VAT; although an 18 per cent VAT line is included, the corresponding grand total is left blank in the document.
