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Fort Portal, Uganda | URN | The thousands of mourners who this morning gathered at St. John’s Cathedral in Fort Portal to pay their final respects to the fallen king of Tooro king, Oyo Nyimba Kabamab Iguru, Rukiidi IV who passed away last month featured a a mix of political leaders, cultural and religious figures, security personnel, and international dignitaries.
The notables included Deputy Speaker of parliament Tomas Tayebwa, Buganda Prince Charles Wasajja, the Nabagereka of Buganda Sylvia Naginda, delegations from South Sudan, Kenya and Lesotho among others.
Mourners began arriving at the cathedral as early as 6:00 AM, undergoing security checks and being seated according to their hierarchy outside the main church.
The event was marked by a solemn procession, with King Oyo’s body arriving at the cathedral led by the police band around 9:00 AM.
The body was then taken inside for a short prayer, before being moved out for the main funeral mass.
Family members, including his mother, Best Kemigisa, and Princess Ruth Komuntale Nsemere, escorted the body throughout the proceedings.
The church honored King Oyo’s legacy by announcing plans to plant trees across the cathedral grounds as a symbol of his dedication to environmental conservation.
The main service was officiated by Archbishop Steven Kazimba Mugulu, who delivered the sermon, followed by tributes that praised Oyo’s leadership and contributions to his community.
The ceremony was originally scheduled to conclude by 1:00 PM, after for the body to be transported to the Karambi royal tombs for burial.
After the church service, traditional rituals performed by the royal clan head (Musuuga) include the final act of throwing nine coffee berries into the grave, a customary ritual as the king’s final farewell.
