The Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) has denied claims that it withdrew Tooro Royal Guards from the palace following the death of King Oyo of Tooro, saying security arrangements around the royal residence have instead been strengthened.
In a statement issued on September 11, 2026, UPDF Acting Director Defence Public Information Colonel Chris Magezi said reports attributed to Tooro Queen Mother Best Kemigisa that the army had withdrawn the royal guards were inaccurate.
Magezi also dismissed claims that residents of the Royal Palace had been placed under lockdown or house arrest, saying the UPDF was not involved in the succession processes currently taking place within the Tooro Kingdom.
“In essence, the UPDF is not privy to or involved in the succession processes currently ongoing in the Tooro Kingdom,” Magezi said.
He explained that the army had increased security at the palace because of the large number of people gathering following the King’s death and the potential security risks linked to the region’s proximity to eastern Democratic Republic of Congo.
According to Magezi, additional security personnel were deployed to reinforce the Royal Guards and protect the palace and surrounding areas.
He said movements around the palace were being closely monitored, with access control measures, including thorough searches and checks, introduced as part of efforts to safeguard mourners, members of the Royal Family and other people in the area.
The clarification comes amid heightened attention to events surrounding the death and succession of King Oyo, with security arrangements at the palace becoming a subject of public discussion.
Magezi further said UPDF Commander Land Forces Lt General Kayanja Muhanga visited the palace to pay his last respects to the late King and assess ongoing army-led projects at the Royal Tombs.
The projects include rehabilitation works at the tombs, roads leading to the site and other infrastructure being undertaken by the UPDF Engineering Brigade.
Magezi said Muhanga was satisfied with the progress of the works and expressed confidence that they would be completed in time for the official burial of the King.
The UPDF also conveyed condolences to Queen Mother Best Kemigisa, the Royal Family, the Tooro Kingdom and Ugandans following the death of the monarch.
The army said it would continue working alongside other security agencies to maintain calm and ensure the safety of mourners during the period of mourning.
Magezi said the security forces remained available to provide any support required to protect the public and facilitate peaceful mourning activities.