KAMPALA — The Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) has dismissed reports that it withdrew Tooro Kingdom’s Royal Guards from the palace, clarifying that the palace and its occupants are not under lockdown or house arrest.
In a statement issued today, Col. Chris Magezi, Acting Director of Defence Public Information at the Ministry of Defence and Veteran Affairs (MODVA), said the UPDF remains committed to supporting security arrangements around the Royal Palace following the death of the Tooro King.
Magezi was responding to a statement attributed to the Queen Mother of Tooro, Her Majesty Best Kemigisa, dated September 10, 2026, in which concerns were raised over the security situation at the palace.
“The UPDF has NOT withdrawn the Tooro Royal Guards from the palace as alleged. Certainly, it is also not true that the residents of the Royal Palace are under lockdown or house arrest as suggested,” Magezi said.
He explained that the UPDF is not involved in the succession processes currently taking place in the Tooro Kingdom.
“In essence, the UPDF is not privy to or involved in the succession processes currently ongoing in the Tooro Kingdom,” he said.
However, Magezi said the army had strengthened security around the palace because of the large number of people gathered there and the proximity of the kingdom to security threats emanating from eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
He said the UPDF leadership had decided to reinforce the Royal Guards with additional security personnel to protect the palace and surrounding areas.
“Movements are being closely monitored, with access control measures such as thorough search and checks introduced to ensure everyone’s safety,” Magezi said.
The clarification comes at a sensitive time for the Tooro Kingdom, which is mourning the death of its King, while preparations and discussions surrounding the succession of the throne continue.
Magezi also confirmed that the Commander of the Land Forces (CLF), Lt Gen Kayanja Muhanga, visited the palace to pay his last respects to the late King and inspect ongoing UPDF engineering works at the Royal Tombs.
According to Magezi, Muhanga inspected roads leading to the Royal Tombs as well as other rehabilitation works being undertaken by the UPDF Engineering Brigade.
“The CLF is satisfied that the UPDF Engineering Brigade has made excellent progress in executing the assigned works,” Magezi said, adding that Muhanga was confident the works would be completed in time for the official burial of the King.
The UPDF also extended its condolences to the Queen Mother, the Royal Family and the people of Tooro following the death of the King.
“The UPDF commiserates with the Queen Mother upon the untimely demise of her son and King. We also extend our deepest sympathies to the Royal Family, the Kingdom of Tooro, and all the people of Uganda and the region for the tragic loss of our beloved King,” Magezi said.
He assured mourners and the wider public that the UPDF, working alongside other security agencies, would continue providing security during the mourning period.
“The UPDF, working with other security forces, remains available to extend all the required support to guarantee security, calm, and the safety of mourners during this period of grief,” he said.
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