Traffic Diversions, Road Closures Announced for Omukama Oyo Burial

Motorists travelling to Fort Portal for the burial of the late Omukama of Tooro Kingdom, Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru Rukiidi IV, have been warned to expect traffic diversions, road closures and restricted access to several areas as security agencies prepare for Saturday’s burial ceremony.

 

The Joint Security Agencies say Traffic Police will maintain a heightened deployment along key routes leading to Fort Portal City and other areas associated with the ceremony, which is expected to attract mourners, cultural and religious leaders, government officials and other dignitaries from Uganda and beyond.

 

“Motorists and members of the public should expect changes in traffic flow and temporary diversions depending on the prevailing situation on the ground,” Police spokesperson Rusoke Kituuma  said in a statement issued on Friday.

 

At Mpanga Market, motorists may be diverted towards Kamwenge Road when necessary, while Kibogo Road will be closed to through traffic, subject to operational requirements.

 

The road branching at the Royal Palace will also be restricted to invited guests and authorised vehicles.

 

At St. Stephen’s Church of Uganda, traffic will be diverted at Karambi towards the Buteebe-Bundibugyo Road.

 

Traffic Police may also restrict or close Maguru Junction, Virika Junction, the Kachwamba stretch and Kasusu Junction depending on the prevailing situation.

 

Buhinga Stadium will be available as a designated public parking area, while the Kabarole Hospital parking area will also be used for parking, subject to guidance from Traffic Police.

 

Parking at the Palace will be restricted to authorised and designated persons only.

 

The public has been warned against parking along roads, access routes, entrances, exits and emergency lanes.

 

“All routes designated for emergency vehicles must remain clear at all times,” Kituuma said.

 

The traffic measures are part of wider security arrangements for the burial, with security screening and access-control points established at Karuziika Palace, St. John’s Cathedral Church of Uganda and the burial grounds at Amagasani in Karambi.

 

Mourners have been urged not to carry prohibited, dangerous or suspicious items to the venues and to report suspicious persons, unattended items or suspicious activities to the nearest security officer.

 

The security agencies have also warned that the large gathering could expose mourners to criminal activity, including theft, pickpocketing, robbery, impersonation and public disorder.

 

“Large gatherings can create opportunities for criminal activity, including theft, pickpocketing, robbery, impersonation, public disorder and other security incidents,” the statement said.

 

Parents, guardians and caregivers have been urged to keep children and other vulnerable persons under close supervision.

 

Police have also advised members of the public who find unattended, abandoned or suspicious property not to touch, move or open it, but instead report it immediately to security personnel.

 

Medical response teams and designated medical-response points will be available throughout the burial ceremony. People with underlying medical conditions have been advised to carry their prescribed medication and, where possible, attend with a responsible companion.

 

The Joint Security Agencies said the security situation in the Rwenzori Region remains generally calm, despite the anticipated large turnout.

 

They have appealed to mourners, residents, motorists, business operators and visitors to cooperate with security personnel and comply with lawful instructions during the ceremony.

 

“Together, let us accord the late Omukama a peaceful, dignified and secure burial ceremony,” the agencies said.