The late Omukama Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru Rukidi IV was laid to rest on Saturday, 12 September 2026, at the Karambi Royal Tombs in Fort Portal after a funeral service at St John’s Cathedral.

The Archbishop of the Church of Uganda, His Grace Stephen Kazimba Mugalu, led the service, assisted by regional bishops. The cathedral holds special significance as the place where the late King was baptised as a baby and which was built by his grandfather, Omukama Rukidi III.

After the service, the casket was wheeled out as the hymn “It Is Well with My Soul” played. A procession of about six kilometres then escorted the remains to the royal tombs. Access to the burial ground itself was restricted to the immediate royal family and selected officials in line with traditional protocols.

Queen Mother Best Kemigisa appealed for calm, stability and unity in Tooro as the kingdom buries its monarch. She asked the people to protect the gains and achievements of her son’s reign.

The burial took place amid an unresolved succession dispute. While the Babiito clan selected Prince Edward Rukidi Kijanangoma, the late King’s mother and sister continue to insist that his will names a biological son as heir. Traditional rites, including the casting of nine coffee berries into the grave by the incoming king, formed part of the final ceremony.

Thousands of mourners, many dressed in white and bark cloth, lined the streets and attended the service to pay their last respects to the monarch who ascended the throne as a three-year-old and ruled for 31 years.