KING OYO FUNERAL! Royal Send-Off Budget Hits Sh1.7bn
FORT PORTAL — The proposed event-management bill for the funeral and burial of the late Tooro King Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru Rukidi IV has hit a staggering Shs1.724 billion before VAT, according to a budget submitted to the Ministry of Gender, Labour and Social Development.
The budget, dated August 29, 2026, puts the direct event costs at Shs1.59675 billion, with an additional eight per cent event-management fee of Shs127.74 million, bringing the proposed total to Shs1.72449 billion before the 18 per cent VAT.
However, the document does not give a final grand total inclusive of VAT, despite listing an 18 per cent VAT line.
The proposed expenditure covers preparations at several locations connected to the King’s funeral and burial, including the airport reception, Buziga Royal Palace, Karambi Tombs, Kaberole Church and Karuziika Royal Palace.
At the Karambi Tombs, the royal burial grounds, the proposed budget allocates Shs60 million for a 30-metre by 70-metre dome tent and another Shs30 million for VIP-area floor boarding.
The royal burial site would also receive a Shs15 million PA system designed to serve 4,000 people, while Shs16 million is proposed for eight live-feed LED screens.
Another Shs20 million is earmarked for cultural-themed decoration, with Shs10 million set aside for cultural entertainment, MCs and a DJ.
The budget further provides Shs10.8 million for three 150 KVA generators and fuel, Shs7.6 million for live-feed and broadcast streaming, Shs7 million for bouncers and private security and Shs4 million for mobile toilets.
At Karuziika Royal Palace, where preparations are expected to run for 14 days, the proposed budget includes Shs98 million for a 20-metre by 30-metre VVIP over-deck terrace.
Another Shs56 million is allocated for tents in the palace gardens, while Shs49 million is proposed for a parking tent.
At the old palace, the budget provides Shs42 million for a tent, while Shs42 million is allocated for PA services.
Two generators and fuel are budgeted at Shs44.8 million.
One of the biggest single allocations in the entire proposed budget is Shs168 million for six LED screens, each measuring 3.5 metres by two metres, at Karuziika Royal Palace.
The palace preparations also include Shs60 million for decoration from the funeral through to the coronation, Shs34 million for floor boarding, Shs33.6 million for lighting and Shs42 million for plastic chairs and linen.
The logistics bill also runs into tens of millions of shillings.
The proposed budget sets aside Shs60.2 million for 14 large equipment trucks and Shs50.4 million for accommodation and upkeep of a 24-member B Team.
Another Shs21 million is allocated for accommodation and upkeep of a six-member A Team.
The event-support crew would receive Shs14 million, while Shs8.4 million is earmarked for passenger vehicles and another Shs2 million for fuel for movements within Fort Portal.
Media and publicity also account for a sizeable chunk of the proposed expenditure.
The budget allocates Shs35 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.
Another Shs18 million is proposed for event printing and branding, while Shs12 million is earmarked for blogs and media coverage.
A further Shs20 million is proposed for production of a tribute video and slideshow, while Shs48 million is budgeted for 4,000 A4 programme booklets.
At the airport reception, the proposed expenditure includes Shs3 million for a 15-metre by 10-metre tent, Shs2 million for a red carpet, Shs2.5 million for cultural decoration and Shs5 million for a cultural reception.
The airport package also provides Shs8 million for media and press coverage, Shs2.5 million for printing and branding and Shs1 million for a PA system.
At Buziga Royal Palace, the proposed budget includes Shs42 million for two large tents hired for seven days and Shs18 million for roadside Tooro Kingdom branding.
Another Shs7 million is proposed for a PA system.
Other Buziga allocations include Shs5.6 million for transport, Shs5.6 million for tables, Shs5.6 million for executive mobile toilets and Shs4.55 million for a generator and fuel.
At Kaberole Church, the proposed expenditure includes Shs15 million for a 1,000-person tent, Shs8 million for a 300-person tent and Shs25 million for decoration.
The budget further provides Shs8 million for a PA system, Shs5 million for lighting and Shs3.6 million for a generator and fuel.
The proposed Shs1.72449 billion figure is therefore before VAT, meaning the eventual cost could be higher if the listed 18 per cent VAT is applied to the taxable amount.
However, the document leaves the final VAT-inclusive grand total blank.
The proposed budget offers a detailed glimpse into the scale of preparations planned for the late King’s final rites, with spending covering everything from tents, screens and sound systems to security, transport, media, cultural entertainment and palace infrastructure.
The figures remain contained in a proposed event-management budget submitted to the Ministry and should not be interpreted as proof that all the listed amounts have already been spent or finally approved.
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