The proposed event-management budget for the funeral and burial of the late Tooro King Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru Rukidi IV is set to cost about Shs 2 billion once Value Added Tax (VAT) is included, 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 events at Shs 1.724 billion before VAT. The direct event costs are estimated at Shs 1.59675 billion, while an eight per cent event-management fee amounts to Shs 127.74 million, bringing the pre-VAT total to Shs 1.72449 billion.
The document provides for an 18 per cent VAT charge, which would push the total to approximately Shs 2.034 billion. However, the final VAT-inclusive figure is not stated in the document, as the grand-total column is left blank.
The proposed expenditure covers preparations at several locations, including the airport reception, Buziga Royal Palace, Karambi Tombs, Kabarole Church and Karuziika Royal Palace.
Shs 168m for palace screens
At the Karambi Tombs, the royal burial grounds, the budget allocates Shs 60 million for a 30-metre by 70-metre dome tent and another Shs 30 million for VIP-area floor boarding.
Other allocations at the burial grounds include Shs 15 million for a public-address system designed for 4,000 people, Shs 16 million for eight live-feed LED screens, Shs 20 million for cultural-themed decoration and Shs 10 million for cultural entertainment, MCs and a DJ.
The budget further provides Shs 10.8 million for three 150KVA generators and fuel, Shs 7.6 million for live-feed and broadcast streaming, Shs 7 million for bouncers and private security, and Shs 4 million for mobile toilets.
At Karuziika Royal Palace, where preparations are expected to run for 14 days, the budget proposes Shs 98 million for a 20-metre by 30-metre VVIP over-deck terrace, Shs 56 million for tents in the palace gardens and Shs 49 million for a parking tent.
Another Shs 42 million is allocated for a tent at the old palace, while Shs 42 million is earmarked for public-address services and Shs 44.8 million for two generators and fuel.
One of the largest individual allocations is Shs 168 million for six LED screens, each measuring 3.5 metres by two metres, at Karuziika Royal Palace.
The palace preparations also include Shs 60 million for decoration from the funeral through to the coronation, Shs 34 million for floor boarding, Shs 33.6 million for lighting and Shs 42 million for plastic chairs and linen.
Transport and media
The logistics budget provides Shs 60.2 million for 14 large equipment trucks, Shs 50.4 million for accommodation and upkeep of a 24-member B Team, and Shs 21 million for accommodation and upkeep of a six-member A Team.
Another Shs 14 million is allocated to a local event-support crew, while Shs 8.4 million is provided for passenger vehicles and Shs 2 million for fuel for movements within Fort Portal.
Media and publicity also account for a significant portion of the proposed expenditure.
The budget allocates Shs 35 million for a 14-day content team covering videography and photography, including cameramen, camera equipment, a drone, audio and lighting equipment, photographers, editors and post-production services.
A further Shs 18 million is earmarked for event printing and branding, Shs 12 million for blogs and media coverage, Shs 20 million for a tribute video and slideshow, and Shs 48 million for 4,000 A4 programme booklets.
Airport reception
At the airport reception, the proposed expenditure includes Shs 3 million for a 15-metre by 10-metre tent, Shs 2 million for a red carpet, Shs 2.5 million for cultural decoration and Shs 5 million for a cultural reception.
The airport package also includes Shs 8 million for media and press coverage, Shs 2.5 million for printing and branding and Shs 1 million for a public-address system.
At Buziga Royal Palace, the budget proposes Shs 42 million for two large tents hired for seven days, Shs 18 million for roadside Tooro Kingdom branding and Shs 7 million for a public-address system.
Other allocations at the venue include Shs 5.6 million for transport, Shs 5.6 million for tables, Shs 5.6 million for executive mobile toilets and Shs 4.55 million for a generator and fuel.
At Kabarole Church, the proposed expenditure includes Shs 15 million for a 1,000-person tent, Shs 8 million for a 300-person tent and Shs 25 million for decoration.
The budget further provides Shs 8 million for a public-address system, Shs 5 million for lighting and Shs 3.6 million for a generator and fuel.
With VAT, the proposed funeral and burial event-management bill would therefore exceed Shs 2 billion, although the final figure remains subject to confirmation because the budget document does not provide a completed VAT-inclusive grand total.
I believe Oyo must be looking down and saying please, donate or give that money to his people for development use. Perhaps hospitals and schools! The dead have no say. Otherwise, could he be walking in the footsteps of his Lord, Isaiah 53:9 and Matthew 27:57-60 (“with a rich man in his death”). King Oyo did want our ancestors cowardly, or struggled to do, close the chapter of Bachwezi dynasty, by inviting Jesus to the throne. Thank you, Oyo! Family members should make sure his child or children or heir dedicated to Christ before “evil eyes” take notice and mounts. Oyo’s death abroad, in foreign land symbolizes suffering Ugandans(Great Lakes Children) both home and abroad trying to find better health, safety and life! Rest in Christ heavenly blossom, Oyo.
BUT, what happened to the Ugandan (African) traditional funeral contributions (mabuggo) from relatives, friends, in-laws and other mourners who know the late King Oyo (be at peace far away from our troubled country) ?
It is a double tragedy: the tragic passing of a very youthful King Oyo, is traumatizing for the many honest and loving Ugandans.
But apparently, it is also unfortunate and very tragic that: in highly indebted, country characterized by widespread poverty and backwardness (surplus deficit), such amount of money should come from taxpayers, yet private citizens can make voluntary contributions towards a funeral service of this nature.
In other words, without a budget line, and taxing the same taxpayers sweat and blood taxpayers money; this obscene kind of burial expense budget, is a FAT part and parcel of cannibalistic corruption syndicate.
I am not being cynical! E.g., if three weeks ago there was no money to facilitate Medical Internship for over 2,000 Graduates, but suddenly, wherefrom does Shs,2 billion and more come from as burial expense for a Cultural leader?
That’s a poverty mentality. A king can’t be buried anyhow. It is worth that money
But whose money priest?
Do not take us in that direction because, not every Ugandan is every whoever King’s Subject!
In other words, let Oyo’s soul be at peace!
40 years and counting, Ugandans are already saddled with more excess baggage than they can handle any further. Otherwise, without the slightest sense of moderation; it is only in the culture of surplus poverty like ours; that the poor spend beyond their means, and moreover to please those who already have!
E.g., every retired General, Captain, Colonel, defeated politicians/MPs, etc. who are physically falling apart and supposed to go home, create space for others and try to leave on his/her means; are saddled back onto taxpayers as: Redundant Presidential Advisors, RDC, Deputy RDC; Asst RDC, Commissioners, Ministers, etc.
As if that is not enough they are saddled with all sorts of phony, never existed barefoot Chiefs and/or traditional leaders/dealers, who had never seen iron-shit over their heads, but are are living off in opulence whose health insurance are covered at the taxpayers sweat and blood.
Was this budget arrived at following a tendering process or is it just another example of state corruption? Who would pay 30M for VIP area floor boarding 😮? Are all these items being purchased or just rented for the burial ceremonies?
How much was the palace financial position before the king.How much did he add on the existing and how many children has he left behind then spend some and leave the rest for the children.
We all know OYO is a renowned and noble king,can that money be used to feed his people,his kingdom needs this money