Ugandan Journalists Mourn Tooro King as they Urge Government to step up the fight Against
Cancer

By Abraham Lincolns | Kampala

As the killer disease ‘Cancer’ is devastating our Country, the leadership of Journalists in Uganda have
urged the Parliament of Uganda and the health ministry to step up efforts to combat the widening
spread of disease that has left many people dead.

Under their umbrella body of Uganda Journalists Union (UJU) led by Nalule Evelyne, journalists stressed
that numerous Ugandans infected with cancer could extend their life longer if government gave a critical
attention and enough funding to the Uganda Cancer Institute.

This follows the sad news of the fallen young, vibrant promising King of Tooro His Majesty Oyo Nyimba
Kabamba Iguru Rukidi IV, who is said to have succumbed to brain on Thursday, August 27,
2026, at the young age of 34.

“We are also calling upon the Government of Uganda and the Ministry of Health to urgently launch
massive awareness campaigns. The public needs to be educated on the early warning signs of cancer,
lifestyle changes, and the life-saving importance of going for regular checkups. Information”, Nalule
noted in her statement dated 28th August 2026.

Nalule who condoled with the grieved family and the entire Kingdom of Tooro appealed
to doctors, researchers, and health workers to tirednessly work hard to step up the fight
against cancer.

“Please collaborate more, use every scientific tool available, and help us find better
ways to stop cancer in its tracks. We need better testing facilities so the disease can be
caught early, and we need cancer care to be affordable so that ordinary Ugandans don’t
have to die simply because they cannot afford treatment”, she appealed.

The painful loss of His Majesty brings a very scary reality right to people’s doorsteps though it’s nolonger
. Cancer is no longer a distant threat; silently wiping out people every single day leaving families from all
walks of life broken apart by this monster of a disease.

“Cancer has robbed Uganda of its youth, its brightest minds, and its leaders. We cannot just sit back and
watch this happen anymore. It is a national emergency, and we must treat it as one”, Nalule added.

To save lives, the media fraternity promises to use all radio stations, TV channels, newspapers, and
digital platforms to spread this life-saving health information. Government was also asked do its part by investing heavily in local cancer research and building fully
equipped cancer centers in every region to enable unpreviledged Ugandans who can’tĺlĺ fly abroad for
specialized treatment.

Nalule asked all journalists to report on the loss of the Omukama with the highest level of respect,
empathy, and professionalism. “During this incredibly dark time, we stand shoulder to shoulder with our colleagues in the media who
are covering this tragedy in the Tooro region. We urge you to report on this loss with the highest level of
respect, empathy, and professionalism”, Following the King’s tragic passing on August 27, 2026, Tooro Kingdom Prime Minister Calvin Armstrong Rwomiire Akiiki announced that a formal schedule is being organized in conjunction with the government of Uganda.

However, the Kingdom has activated its mandatory nine-day traditional mourning period and
established key locations for mourners establishing official Mourning Sites & Condolence Books.

In Kampala, a condolence book is open at the Buziga Palace for friends, dignitaries, and well-wishers to
pay their respects while in Fort Portal, mourners and subjects are gathering at the Karuziika Royal Palace
gates and surrounding traditional sites.

Expected sequence of royal burial traditions based on established Tooro Kingdom customs (Emirwa
y’Obuhangwa) and initial communications, the program will follow these major stages.
Preparation of the Body: The Babiito royal elders and clan members handle the traditional preservation
and preparation of the late monarch.

Public and State Tributes: The body will lie in state to allow subjects and state officials to pay their final
respects. Church Funeral Service: A formal Christian funeral service will be held before the final send-off, honoring the King’s faith.

The Journey to the Royal Tombs: The King’s remains will be transported to the Karambi Royal Tombs
(Ha’gasani) in Fort Portal, the sacred burial ground for all Tooro kings. Traditional Burial Rituals: At the tombs, the Omusuuga (head of the royal clan) performs sacred call-and- response rituals to open the gates.

By tradition, only the designated royal heir drops nine coffee berries into the grave to lay the monarch
to rest—no flowers or standard soil are thrown by the public or religious leaders