King Oyo Burial Budget Rises to Shs2 Billion

Updated by Faith Barbara an Ruhinda at 1503 EAT on Tueaday 1 September 2026

Updated by Faith Barbara N Ruhinda at 1454 EAT on Tuesday 1 September 2026

The proposed event-management budget for the funeral and burial of the late Tooro King Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru Rukidi IV is estimated at about Shs2 billion, including Value Added Tax (VAT), according to a budget submitted to the Ministry of Gender, Labour and Social Development.

The budget, dated August 29, 2026, puts the cost of organising the funeral and burial events at Shs1.724 billion before VAT. Direct event costs are estimated at Shs1.59675 billion, while an eight per cent event-management fee amounts to Shs127.74 million, bringing the pre-VAT total to Shs1.72449 billion.

The document provides for an 18 per cent VAT charge, which would raise the total to approximately Shs2.034 billion. However, the exact VAT-inclusive figure is not stated in the document, with the grand-total column left blank.

The proposed expenditure covers preparations and activities at several locations, including the airport reception, Buziga Royal Palace, Karambi Tombs, Kabarole Church and Karuziika Royal Palace.

The budget outlines the costs of managing the various events and logistical arrangements planned as part of the funeral and burial ceremonies for the late king.

Other allocations for the burial grounds include Shs15 million for a public-address system capable of serving an audience of 4,000 people, Shs16 million for eight live-feed LED screens, Shs20 million for cultural-themed decorations, and Shs10 million for cultural entertainment, MCs and a DJ.

The budget also allocates Shs10.8 million for three 150KVA generators and fuel, Shs7.6 million for live-feed and broadcast streaming, Shs7 million for bouncers and private security, and Shs4 million for mobile toilets.

At Karuziika Royal Palace, where preparations are scheduled to run for 14 days, the proposed budget sets aside Shs98 million for a 20-metre by 30-metre VVIP over-deck terrace. A further Shs56 million is earmarked for tents in the palace gardens, while Shs49 million is budgeted for a parking tent.

The budget also provides Shs42 million for a tent at the old palace, Shs42 million for public-address services and Shs44.8 million for two generators and fuel.

Media and publicity are also allocated a significant share of the proposed expenditure.

The budget sets aside Shs35 million for a 14-day content production team tasked with covering the funeral and burial activities through videography and photography. The allocation caters for cameramen, camera equipment, a drone, audio and lighting equipment, photographers, editors and post-production services.

A further Shs18 million is earmarked for event printing and branding, Shs12 million for blogs and media coverage, Shs20 million for a tribute video and slideshow, and Shs48 million for 4,000 A4 programme booklets.

Airport Reception

At the airport reception, the proposed expenditure includes Shs3 million for a 15-metre by 10-metre tent, Shs2 million for a red carpet, Shs2.5 million for cultural decorations and Shs5 million for a cultural reception.

The airport package also includes Shs8 million for media and press coverage, Shs2.5 million for printing and branding, and Shs1 million for a public-address system.

At Buziga Royal Palace, the proposed budget allocates Shs42 million for two large tents to be hired for seven days, Shs18 million for roadside Tooro Kingdom branding and Shs7 million for a public-address system.

-Observer

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