The Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF) has denied reports that it withdrew royal guards from Karuziika Palace or placed members of the Tooro royal family under lockdown or house arrest.
The clarification follows concerns raised publicly by the Queen Mother of Tooro, Her Majesty Best Kemigisa, who alleged that royal guards had been removed on military orders and that members of the royal family were being restricted from receiving mourners.
In a statement issued by Col. Chris Magezi, the Acting Director of Defence Public Information, the UPDF dismissed the allegations, saying the army had not unlawfully detained members of the royal family or interfered in the internal affairs of the Tooro Kingdom.
Col. Magezi said the UPDF remains non-partisan and has no role in the ongoing succession discussions within the kingdom.
According to the army, the increased security presence around Karuziika Palace was prompted mainly by the large number of mourners attending events following the death of King Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru Rukidi IV.
The UPDF also cited security concerns linked to Tooro’s proximity to areas affected by instability and cross-border threats from eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
Rather than removing the palace’s traditional guards, Magezi said the UPDF reinforced them with additional personnel to strengthen security around the palace and other areas receiving mourners.
The measures included tighter access control and routine security screening for people entering the palace grounds.
The UPDF also addressed the presence of its senior officers at the palace, saying Lt. Gen. Kayanja Muhanga, the Commander Land Forces, visited to pay his respects to the late King and inspect ongoing engineering works.
During the visit, Lt. Gen. Muhanga assessed projects being undertaken by the UPDF Engineering Brigade, including work on access roads and maintenance at the Karambi Royal Tombs, where preparations for the royal burial are underway.
The army said it was confident that the infrastructure works would be completed ahead of the burial.
The UPDF extended its condolences to Queen Mother Best Kemigisa, the royal family, the people of Tooro and Ugandans following the death of King Oyo.
The military further said it would continue working alongside other security agencies to maintain peace, order and public safety throughout the mourning and funeral period.
The clarification comes at a sensitive time for the Tooro Kingdom, as preparations for the late monarch’s burial continue amid discussions over the kingdom’s succession.
