The Prime Minister of Tooro Kingdom, Calvin Armstrong Rwomiire Akiiki, has called off a crucial Rukurato council meeting as preparations continue for the burial of the late King Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru Rukidi IV.
In a statement posted on his X account, Rwomiire said the meeting, which had been scheduled for Tuesday, September 1, had been postponed because he is currently in Kampala engaging Government officials and other relevant authorities to coordinate arrangements for the return and interment of His Majesty the King.
“This is to inform all Abakurasi b’Orukurato Orukuru Orw’Ensanju that the Rukurato meeting scheduled for today, Tuesday, 1st September, has been called off and postponed until further notice,” the Prime Minister said.
He said a new date would be communicated officially by the Office of the Prime Minister at an appropriate time.
“At this solemn moment, there can be no greater priority for the Kingdom than bringing our King home and laying him to rest with the dignity, honour and respect befitting His Majesty,” Rwomiire said.
The Prime Minister also directed that unnecessary Kingdom meetings, debates and activities that could distract from the burial arrangements be suspended for the time being.
“I equally call upon all the people of Tooro, our leaders and institutions to exercise restraint, avoid unnecessary disagreements and speculation, and respect the dignity of His Majesty,” he added.
Rwomire said the Kingdom would have an appropriate time to address other outstanding matters, but insisted that the current period should remain focused on the late King’s return and burial.
“The Prime Minister said there will be an appropriate time to address the other matters before the Kingdom. This is not that time.
“For now, our responsibility is clear:
Bring our King home.
Honour him.
Lay him to rest with dignity.
Stand together as one Tooro.
Everything else can wait,” he said.
Although the agenda of the meeting hadn’t been shared, the council was expected to discuss succession and burial arrangements among other issues .
The statement comes amid simmering tensions between the Prime Minister and Omusuuga Charles Kayondo Kamurasi, the head of the Babiito royal clan, commonly known as the Abasuga.
The Omusuuga has publicly disagreed with the Prime Minister on several matters, including reports that the late King Oyo left behind an heir.
“The King had no child. I don’t know about it because we have never been told that. I heard the Prime Minister, while announcing Oyo’s death, saying he had left an heir,” Kamurasi said.
The Omusuuga has also criticised the Prime Minister over his continued engagements in Kampala, arguing that statements and decisions made there do not necessarily represent the Kingdom.
“The Prime Minister should be present at the palace during this solemn period, rather than remaining in Kampala,” Kamurasi said.
The disagreements come at a sensitive time for the Tooro Kingdom, as its leadership and institutions prepare for the return and burial of King Oyo while seeking to maintain unity and calm during the mourning period.
The body of King Oyo is expected to be returned to Uganda on Thursday this week. Upon arrival, the remains will be airlifted to Kyegegwa before being transported by road to the Karuzika Palace in Fort Portal.
