The remains of the late Tooro King, Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru Rukidi IV, have begun the journey back to Uganda, with his body expected to arrive in the country on Friday, September 4, 2026.
Footage circulating online showed the King’s coffin at a cargo facility in the United States as relatives, friends and other mourners gathered to see him off before the remains were flown home.
Upon arrival at Entebbe International Airport at about 10 a.m., President Yoweri Museveni is expected to receive the remains and pay his respects to the fallen monarch.
The return journey will continue from Entebbe, with the remains expected to be flown to Kyegegwa before being transported by road to Karuziika Palace in Fort Portal City.
The choice of Karuziika Palace is rooted in Tooro royal customs governing the handling of a deceased monarch. Under the cultural traditions of the kingdom, the body of a king is required to remain at the official palace rather than being taken between different royal residences.
His arrival at Karuziika Palace will also mark the beginning of the kingdom’s formal mourning rites.
A nine-day mourning period is expected to commence once the remains are received at the palace, where the late King will lie in state as preparations for the final burial rites continue.
After the mourning period, the remains will be taken to the Karambi Royal Tombs, the traditional burial site for Tooro kings, for interment.
The return of the King’s body is expected to draw members of the royal family, cultural leaders, government officials and mourners as the kingdom prepares to bid farewell to a monarch whose reign began when he was still a child.
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