Senior Police officers leave for deployment after a security and traffic review meeting today
HABARI DAILY I Kampala, Uganda I As Tooro Kingdom prepares to give its late King Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru Rukiidi IV a final send-off on Saturday, September 12, the Uganda Police Force and other joint security agencies have announced strict security and traffic measures to control the anticipated large crowds and keep Fort Portal City and surrounding areas safe.
The burial is expected to attract members of the royal family, cultural and religious leaders, government officials, dignitaries and mourners from different parts of Uganda and beyond.
The Joint Security Agencies said comprehensive measures have been put in place to protect mourners and dignitaries, maintain public order, manage crowds and traffic, secure key venues and ensure the ceremony concludes peacefully.
Kituuma Rusoke, the Public Relations Officer of the Uganda Police Force, urged the public to cooperate with security officers and exercise patience as traffic restrictions take effect.
“Motorists are urged to exercise patience, discipline and courtesy towards other road users,” Rusoke said, as police warned motorists to expect changes in traffic flow and temporary diversions depending on the situation on the ground.
Traffic restrictions in Fort Portal
Traffic Police will maintain a heightened deployment along major routes leading into Fort Portal City and other locations associated with the burial.
One of the key measures will affect the Mpanga Market area, where motorists may be intermittently diverted towards Kamwenge Road whenever necessary.
Police have also designated Buhinga Stadium as a public parking area, giving motorists an alternative to parking along roads and access routes.
The road branching at the Royal Palace will be restricted to invited guests and authorised vehicles, while Kibogo Road will be closed to through traffic, subject to operational requirements.
At St Stephen’s Church of Uganda, traffic will be diverted at Karambi towards the Buteebe–Bundibugyo Road.
Several major junctions and road stretches will also face restrictions or possible closures. These include Maguru Junction, Virika Junction, Kachwamba stretch and Kasusu Junction, with Traffic Police officers determining the extent of restrictions according to prevailing circumstances.
The Kabarole Hospital parking area will also serve as a designated parking facility, subject to guidance from Traffic Police.
Parking at Karuziika Palace, meanwhile, will be restricted to authorised and designated persons.
Police have emphasised that emergency routes must remain clear throughout the ceremony. Motorists who park on roads, entrances, exits, access routes or emergency lanes risk disrupting the movement of ambulances and other emergency vehicles.
Public warned against ignoring diversions
The security agencies said the announced traffic arrangements should not be regarded as permanently fixed because operational circumstances may require officers to make adjustments.
Motorists have therefore been urged to follow instructions issued by officers on the ground rather than relying on normal traffic patterns.
The public has also been encouraged to follow official communication from the police and the organising committee for updates.
The strict traffic controls are expected to be particularly important because mourners will move between the main funeral venues. Saturday’s programme begins with a service at St John’s Cathedral in Fort Portal, followed by a procession to the Karambi Royal Tombs, where the late king will be buried.
The movement of mourners and the royal cortege is likely to create significant pressure on the city’s road network.
Security screening at three key venues
Beyond traffic control, security agencies have established clearly marked security zones and access-control points around Karuziika Palace, St John’s Cathedral Church of Uganda and the Karambi burial grounds, locally known as Amagasani.
Mourners will be required to comply with security screening procedures and follow instructions at access points.
The public has been warned against carrying prohibited, dangerous or suspicious items to the venues.
Police are also asking mourners to report suspicious individuals, unattended objects or unusual activity to the nearest security officer rather than attempting to investigate such incidents themselves.
The warning comes amid concerns that large gatherings can provide opportunities for criminals to engage in theft, pickpocketing, robbery, impersonation and public disorder.
Warning over children and valuables
Parents, guardians and caregivers have also been urged to maintain close supervision of children and other vulnerable people throughout the ceremony.
Any lost child or missing person should immediately be reported to the nearest police officer, police post or police station.
Police have further instructed the public not to touch, move or open abandoned or suspicious property. Such items should immediately be reported to security personnel.
Mourners have also been advised to protect their valuables and personal belongings because of the large crowds expected to attend the burial.
Medical teams deployed
Medical response teams and designated medical points will be available throughout the ceremony.
People with underlying medical conditions have been advised to carry their prescribed medication and, where possible, attend with a responsible companion.
Anyone who collapses, faints or requires urgent medical attention should immediately be reported to a medical team or security officer.
The public has been specifically warned against obstructing ambulances, medical personnel and emergency evacuation routes.
Media accreditation tightened
Journalists covering the burial have also been reminded that they must obtain accreditation through the Uganda Media Centre and carry valid accreditation credentials while reporting from the ceremony.
The requirement is intended to facilitate controlled access to sensitive areas and help security agencies distinguish accredited media personnel from unauthorised individuals.
The Joint Security Agencies said the security situation in the Rwenzori Region remains generally calm, thanking mourners and residents for maintaining decorum during the ongoing nine-day mourning period.
However, the agencies warned that Saturday’s expected turnout requires heightened vigilance.
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