MBUYA KAMPALA: 11 September 2026-The Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) has refuted claims that it has withdrawn security detail from the Tooro Kingdom Palace or placed residents under house arrest, clarifying that recent military movements at the palace are aimed solely at reinforcing security during the ongoing mourning period.
The response follows a statement issued on September 10, 2026, by the Queen Mother of Tooro, Her Majesty Best Kemigisa, which suggested that royal guards had been pulled out and palace residents subjected to a lockdown in the heat of a succession battle to replace the falled Omukama Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru.
In a 2-page dossier, Kemigisa denounced the 21-member succession committee of the Ababiito clan for naming Prince Edward Rukidi Kijanangoma. She stated that the move violated King Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru Rukidi IV’s will and breached an earlier agreement to hold off on succession matters until after the burial.
In an official statement, Colonel Chris Magezi, the Acting Director of Defence Public Information, clarified that the army is not involved in or privy to the ongoing succession processes within the Tooro Kingdom. Instead, the increased military presence is a protective measure given the large crowds gathering at the palace and the regional security environment.
”On account of the magnitude of the ongoing event, the big number of people gathered, and proximity to security threats emanating from eastern DRC, the UPDF leadership decided to reinforce the Royal Guards with additional security for the palace and the surrounding areas,” Col. Magezi stated.
He added that access control measures, including thorough searches and checks, have been introduced to ensure public safety, which may account for the monitored movements at the premises.
The clarification coincides with a visit to the palace by the Commander Land Forces (CLF), Lt. Gen. Kayanja Muhanga. Lt. Gen. Muhanga visited to pay his last respects to the fallen King and inspect infrastructure preparations ahead of the royal burial. According to the UPDF, the Engineering Brigade has made significant progress on rehabilitation works at the Royal Tombs and access roads, ensuring everything will be ready for the official state send-off.
Extending condolences to the Queen Mother, the Royal Family, and the people of Tooro, the UPDF reassured the public that it will continue working alongside other security agencies to guarantee safety, calm, and security throughout the mourning period.
