No Sex During King Oyo’s Mourning: Tooro Kingdom Announces 9-Day Rules

The Tooro Kingdom in western Uganda has announced a series of traditional mourning practices ahead of the burial of its late monarch, King Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru Rukidi IV.

The King’s burial has been scheduled for September 12, 2026, at the Karambi Royal Tombs in Fort Portal, marking the end of the nine-day official mourning period.

As the kingdom prepares for the final rites, members of the Babiito royal clan have outlined traditional practices expected to be observed during the mourning period.

One of the notable restrictions is a prohibition on sexual intimacy. Men have been instructed to leave their marital beds and refrain from sexual relations with their wives throughout the official mourning period.

Farming has also been suspended for the nine days of mourning. According to the traditional guidelines, the suspension is part of the customary way of honouring a deceased monarch.

The kingdom has also called for a reduction in entertainment activities, with bars and other venues expected to avoid loud music and activities considered inappropriate during the period of mourning.

Some traditional items, including drums and spears, are expected to be turned upside down as a symbolic expression of grief and respect for the late King.

Mourners and members of the public who intend to participate in the King’s final journey have also been encouraged to observe appropriate dress and conduct. Traditional attire, including kanzus for men and suukas for women, is encouraged as part of the cultural observance.

King Oyo’s remains are expected to be taken to Karuziika Palace, where members of the public will have an opportunity to pay their final respects during the mourning period. Prayers and other traditional activities are also expected to take place at the palace.

The kingdom has urged mourners to maintain peace, order and respect throughout the ceremonies as security and logistical arrangements continue around the palace and funeral route.

The authorities have also introduced guidelines for journalists, photographers and social media content creators covering the funeral, urging them to respect the privacy and dignity of the royal family and mourners.

Media coverage is being coordinated through the Uganda Media Centre, with accreditation and other arrangements put in place for those covering the ceremonies.

King Oyo died at the age of 34 after a period of illness while receiving medical care in the United States. He had been on the Tooro throne since September 12, 1995, when he was only three years old.

Interestingly, his burial date coincides with the anniversary of his coronation. September 12, 2026, will mark 31 years since he was installed as the Omukama of Tooro.

His burial will therefore not only bring the official nine-day mourning period to an end but will also mark the closing chapter of a 31-year reign that began when he was a child.

The Tooro Kingdom is expected to begin a succession process following the burial, with the Babiito royal clan responsible for overseeing the traditional procedures for identifying the next Omukama.

As preparations continue, the kingdom has called on residents, visitors and all those taking part in the ceremonies to respect the traditional mourning rules and ensure that King Oyo’s final journey is conducted with dignity and according to Tooro customs.