The royal palace in Fort Portal was draped in black on Tuesday as the Tooro Kingdom entered an official period of mourning following the announcement by Omukama Oyo Nyimba Iguru that the late king had passed away. The Omukama, who had served as the kingdom’s spiritual and cultural figurehead for over three decades, confirmed the death in a televised address, citing a sudden illness that took the monarch’s life at his residence in Kabarole district. Traditional mourners, including senior chiefs, elders, and members of the royal family, gathered to perform rites that will last for seven days, after which a national funeral will be held. The government of Uganda has pledged full support for the mourning ceremonies and has ordered a three‑day period of national mourning. Citizens across the country have taken to social media to express their grief, sharing memories of the king’s contributions to education, health, and cultural preservation. The succession council is expected to convene within the next week to select a new Omukama, a process that will involve consultation with the kingdom’s council of elders and the Ministry of Internal Affairs.
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