By Leonard Kamugisha Akida
KAMPALA
The Muhiikirwa of Tooro Kingdom, Owek. Calvin Armstrong Rwomiire Akiiki, has defended the decision to keep details of the late King Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru Rukidi IV’s health private, saying it was done at the monarch’s express request.
Speaking to journalists in Kampala on Thursday, Owek. Rwomiire said information that the King was abroad for studies and was well had been communicated according to his wishes.
“As someone serving him, it was my responsibility to respect his wishes and protect his privacy. I did so faithfully and respectfully,” he said.
The Muhiikirwa said King Oyo had been confident of recovering and returning home to reunite with his subjects for the 31st Empango celebrations.
“He did not want to cause unnecessary alarm among his people,” he said.
His comments come amid questions over what the public was told about the King’s condition during his prolonged stay in the United States, where he died aged 34 on August 27. It should be recalled that previously, the Muhikirwa and dismissed reports of the King’s illness, claiming that he was abroad for further studies, the remarks that have raised rebellious questions against the Prime Minister and the Royal family. On Wednesday, the Babiito Royal Clan head Omusuuga Charles Kamurasi held a meeting with other clan leaders in which they fired Rwomiire accusing him of going against the Kingdom constitution.
However, the Muhiikirwa called for restraint, urging Batooro, kingdom leaders and the media to avoid speculation and competing narratives until after the burial.
“There will be a proper time and forum, after His Majesty has been laid to rest, to address any matters that require clarification,” he said.
He also appealed for privacy for the Royal Family and those who were closest to the King.
Meanwhile, the Prime Minister (Muhikirwa Rwomiire) acknowledged that there was information that had not been disclosed to him or Musuuga Kamurasi.
“And for Omusuuga, I am coming home, I want you to see and counsel me as your child,” Owek. Rwomiire said.
The Minister for the Presidency, Milly Babalanda, said the King’s remains left Dallas, United States, on Thursday and are expected at Entebbe International Airport at 10am on Friday.
President Yoweri Museveni and a small delegation will receive the body before it is airlifted to Kyegegwa and transported to Karuziika Palace.
Babalanda said the government had accorded King Oyo an official burial and covered the medical and repatriation costs.
She also said security remained deployed at Karuziika Palace and the King’s Buziga residence.
According to the funeral program, the body will immediately be airlifted to Kyegegwa after being received at Entebbe Airport and will lie in the Royal palace at Karuziika from 4 to 12 September, with public viewing and prayers taking place during the mourning period.
“The burial is scheduled for 12 September, beginning with a final service at St John’s Cathedral in Fort Portal at 09:00 am,” said Mwenge County South MP and State Minister for Gender Mary Kamuli Kuteesa.
She said those attending the service should be seated by 08:00am. The body will then be taken in a procession on foot from the cathedral to the royal burial grounds at Karambi, where the final burial rites will be conducted.
