Journalists deployed to cover the burial and succession programmes at the Tooro Kingdom on Friday declined to attend a police briefing after they were barred from entering the royal palace with cameras and other media equipment.
Security at the palace was intensified on Friday, preventing journalists and some mourners from taking cameras and mobile phones into the premises.
The palace was a hive of activity as mourners gathered for the final vigil of the late King Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru Rukiidi IV ahead of his burial on Saturday.
Despite enforcing the restrictions, security officers at the gates were unable to explain who had issued the orders, while officials within the palace distanced themselves from the directive.
Following the restrictions, a majority of journalists declined to attend a police briefing that had been convened outside the palace.
The journalists insisted on retaining their cameras and mobile phones, saying the devices are essential for gathering information, taking photographs and providing live updates to their audiences.
Wilson Asiimwe of Vision Group described the decision as unfortunate, particularly because event organisers had recently commended the media for its role in providing timely information to the public.
He said security concerns could have been addressed through dialogue rather than an outright ban on media equipment.
Ivan Niwamanya of Life FM in Fort Portal said he was frustrated by the restrictions, which prevented him from providing live updates to his audience because he could not access the palace with his phone.
Doreen Ninsiima, another journalist who has been covering Tooro Kingdom ceremonies, said the restrictions came as a shock.
She said the royal family and Babiito clan had repeatedly invited journalists to briefings and had never raised concerns about their work.
When the journalists sought clarification from police spokesperson SP Kituma Rusoke, he said he would consult his superiors to explore the possibility of allowing journalists to enter the palace with their cameras and mobile phones.
The restrictions come as the kingdom prepares for the burial of King Oyo, whose death has also triggered a dispute over his succession, following the announcement of Prince Edward Rukidi Kijanangoma as king-elect by Babiito clan elders.
