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The final farewell to Omukama Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru Rukidi IV on Saturday, 12th September, will be governed not only by a Christian burial service, but also by a series of ancient Babiito rituals that will determine how the late king is laid to rest and how the next Omukama emerges. The late Omukama Oyo 34, who died nearly 31 years after ascending the throne in 1995 on 12th September, will be buried at the Karambi Royal Tombs along the Fort Portal-Kasese Road, the traditional burial ground for Tooro's kings. Oyo will be the fourth King to be buried at Karambi Royal Tombs, with past kings including David Kyebambe Kasagama, Sir George David Kamurasi Rukidi III, Patrick Mathew Kaboyo Olimi II and now Omukama Oyo. His burial will mark the end of his reign and, according to the Babiito clan, will also form part of the traditional process through which his successor is identified and protected ahead of enthronement. Mr Moses Musinguzi, spokesperson for the Babiito clan and a member of the communication committee under the office of Omujwera Musuuga, says the burial will be conducted according to rituals that have been passed down through generations. He says although a church service will be held at St John's Cathedral in Fort Portal, the burial itself at the royal tombs will be guided primarily by traditional rituals. “The burial will be governed by rituals. It will not only be a church service. The church will play its part, but after the service, the body will be taken to Karambi Royal Tombs, where the traditional rituals will take place,” Mr Musinguzi says. From Karuziika Palace to Karambi The late king's body, which was returned to Karuziika Palace in Fort Portal on 4th September after his death abroad, has been inside the palace for nine days of mourning and traditional observances. On the burial day, which will be the ninth day [Saturday] of mourning, the body will leave Karuziika Palace at 8:15 am and be taken to St John's Cathedral for the church service, which, according to organisers, will begin at 9 am. He said after the service, the procession will continue to Karambi Royal Tombs, where the body referred to traditionally as Omuguta, will be taken into the royal burial grounds known as Gasani. Mr Musinguzi says the head of the ritualists, known as Omusuuna, will lead the traditional team responsible for the rituals at Karambi. As the procession approaches the gate of Gasani [house], a carefully prescribed exchange will take place between Omusuuna and the person responsible for the royal tombs, also known as Katikiro of Gasani. The nine calls at the royal gate According to Mr Musinguzi, Omusuuna will call the name of the person in charge of the royal tombs and identify himself and request permission to enter with the body of the late king. The call will be repeated nine times. “The Omusuuna, together with other ritualists, will come with the body of the King. When they reach the Gasani gate, he will call the name of the Prime Minister [Katikiro of Gasani], who takes charge of the royal tombs. He will introduce himself, but he will not respond nine times,” Mr Musinguzi says. He says Omusuuna will continue identifying himself and declaring that he has arrived with the body of Omukama Oyo and is seeking permission to enter Gasani for the burial. Only on the ninth call will permission be granted. The repeated use of nine is significant in Tooro's traditional practices and will again feature prominently in the burial and succession rituals. Church and tradition meet The burial will also bring together Christian and traditional elements. Mr Musinguzi says church leaders will enter Gasani and pray while the body is placed near the prepared grave, known as Iziba. After the prayers, however, the clergy and members of the public will leave the area. This will allow the ritualists to perform private ceremonies that, according to the Babiito, are not meant for public viewing. “The church leaders will be there. They will pray inside the Gasani as the body is near the grave. After that, they will leave and go back outside to allow the ritualists to perform other rituals which are not for the public,” he says. Inside the royal grave The grave where Omukama Oyo will be laid to rest will already have been prepared before the burial ceremony. Mr Musinguzi says the grave has two levels. The upper section measures approximately six feet by six feet, while the lower section is where the king's body will be placed. It is at this point, he says, that the burial ritual will also intersect with the succession of the Tooro throne. After the clergy leaves, Mr Musinguzi says Omujwera Musuuga will bring the prince who is expected to succeed the late king. The prince will receive nine coffee beans from Omusuuna. #lumbuye #fredlumbuye #lumbuyefredlive #lumbuyefred #lumbuyelive #lumbuyetoday #akawungeezi #ntvuganda