By Aggrey Baba
The Mother of late Tooro King Oyo NyimbaKabamba Iguru Rukidi IV, Best Kemigisa, has revealed the behind-the-scenes role Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba played in preparing her late son for his final resting place, including providing financial resources and guidance for the construction of the King’s royal grave.
In an acknowledgement during Saturday’s church service ahead of Oyo’s burial, Kemigisa said the UPDF boss stood with the royal family throughout the difficult period and treated the late King as his own brother.
“I also wish to register my sincere and heartfelt appreciation to General Muhozi Kainerugaba for treating my son as his own brother, and for the guidance you continue to give to us from time to time,” Kemigisa said.
Her speech was read at the service by Mr Baguma Komwiswa, the Head of Protocol in Tooro Kingdom.
Her disclosure about the royal grave that put Muhoozi’s role into sharp focus. The queen mother said the CDF provided money and guidance towards the preparation and construction of Oyo’s final resting place at the Karambi Royal Burial Grounds.
“I can’t thank the CDF enough for the financial resources and guidance in preparation and construction of Omukama’s royal tomb at Karambi Royal Burial Grounds,” she said.
The Queen Mother further disclosed that Muhoozi has been directly involved in supporting the huge logistical operation at Karuzika Palace, where thousands of mourners have been gathering following the announcement of Oyo’s death on August 27.
“Please also accept my appreciation and sincere acknowledgement for all the catering arrangements you put in place at Karuzika Palace, feeding thousands and thousands of mourners every day since the announcement of the King’s death on 27th August 2026 until now,” Kemigisa said.
The revelations provide a rare glimpse into the extent of Muhoozi’s involvement in the affairs surrounding the death and burial of the young Tooro monarch.
Kemigisa did not present the CDF’s intervention as merely an official UPDF responsibility, but instead, she repeatedly framed Muhoozi’s relationship with Oyo in personal and familial terms, thanking him for loving her son and standing with the royal family “all the way.”
“Thank you so much, CDF, for loving Omukama Oyo and for standing with us all the way,” she said.
The Queen Mother’s remarks came as Tooro prepared to lay Oyo to rest at Karambi, where the late King’s final burial arrangements have attracted the involvement of the central government, the UPDF, the royal household and kingdom leadership.
Muhoozi’s role has extended beyond the traditional military establishment, with the CDF emerging as one of the key figures supporting the royal family during the burial preparations.
Kemigisa also used the speech to acknowledge President Museveni’s longstanding relationship with Oyo, describing him as a father figure who supported the King’s education and welfare from childhood.
She said Museveni also intervened when Oyo’s medical condition became known and facilitated the resources required for treatment abroad.
Oyo ascended the Tooro throne in September 1995 as a toddler and died on August 27, 2026, aged 34.
His burial at Karambi brings to an end the public mourning period for a monarch who spent 31 years on the Tooro throne. (For comments on this story, get back to us on 0705579994 [WhatsApp line], 0779411734 & 041 4674611 or email us at mulengeranews@gmail.com).
