22 Sep 2026
TOORO — Queen Mother Best Kemigisa has expressed deep sorrow over the circumstances surrounding the burial of the late King Oyo and the succession dispute that emerged following his death, saying her family’s wish for a peaceful and dignified farewell was not honoured.
In a statement, the Queen Mother said the family was distressed by events that unfolded before and during the burial, including the early moves to select a new king while the late king’s body was still being transported to Tooro.
She said a committee to select a new king was formed only hours after King Oyo’s death, before his body had arrived in Tooro. A new king was subsequently announced, followed days later by another announcement after King Oyo’s Will was read to members of the Royal Family, the Musuga and representatives of the Babiito Clan.
The Queen Mother said celebrations that followed the first announcement took place close to where her son’s body lay, describing the experience as deeply painful for a grieving mother.
She also said the family had hoped that King Oyo’s child, who was in Texas, would return to Tooro for the burial. However, as tensions surrounding the succession dispute increased, concerns grew about involving the child in the conflict, and the child ultimately did not return.
According to the Queen Mother, her representatives had reached an understanding with government leaders, the Musuga and representatives of the Babiito Clan before the burial. The agreement, she said, provided that King Oyo would be given a dignified burial and that succession disputes would be suspended during the funeral.
She said the agreement was signed but was not honoured during events at Karambi, leaving her and her daughter, Princess Komuntale, deeply distressed.
Despite the pain caused by the events, the Queen Mother called for reconciliation, peace and restraint rather than anger.
She said she wanted “gratitude, faith, hope and service” to have the final word, urging those who supported King Oyo and his family to remain peaceful and trust in God.
The Queen Mother also thanked those who stood with the late king throughout his life, describing her son as a man who served God and remained committed to his faith.
She concluded by expressing hope for the future of Tooro, her family and generations to come, saying she believes God has a plan for the kingdom despite the disagreements surrounding the succession.
“Let us remain peaceful and trust in God,” she urged.
