Mega Fm & Agency
The demise of Omukama Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru Rukidi IV was formally announced in Tooro on Friday through a sequence of traditional rites that marked the beginning of the kingdom’s official mourning period.
The declaration, known in Tooro culture as okutuza, was made at Karuzika Palace in Fort Portal Tourism City by the head of the royal clan, the Omusuga, Prince Charles Kamurasi.
Following the declaration at the palace, Kamurasi directed members of the Basiita clan, known as Abajaguzi, to perform the next stage of the traditional process.
Dressed in traditional tunics and backcloth, they left the palace and climbed Akaswa, the cultural hill, where they loudly announced the death of the Omukama to the people of Tooro.
The public declaration at Akaswa symbolically carried the news of the king’s death beyond the palace and into the kingdom.
After making the announcement from Akaswa, the Abajaguzi returned to Karuzika Palace and continued with another important ritual.
They turned the royal drum upside down, a symbolic act signifying the death of the reigning monarch. The royal regalia were also removed as part of the rituals marking the end of the king’s reign.
The royal drum will remain upside down throughout the period before a new king is selected.
When a new Omukama is eventually chosen, the new monarch will traditionally turn the drum back to its rightful position, symbolising the restoration of the monarchy under a new king.
Following the traditional declaration and rituals, Kamurasi announced the beginning of nine days of official mourning, known as okugaragara. Under Tooro cultural traditions, a deceased Omukama is buried nine days after his death.
