A TikTok clip claiming to show the grave of the late Tooro Kingdom King Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru Rukidi IV has been found to be false. The clip, which shows the interior of a decorated grave, was posted with captions in Luganda suggesting it was the grave of King Oyo. However, PesaCheck, a fact-checking organisation, has verified that the video does not show the actual grave of the late king.
Monarchs of Tooro Kingdom and other traditional kingdoms in the region are not buried in open outdoor graves like the one shown in the clip. According to cultural protocols, royal burials take place at designated royal burial sites. During King Oyo's burial, access to the Karambi Royal Tombs was strictly restricted, with the media and cameras barred from the burial grounds.
Only specific individuals were allowed entry to the inner gravesite, known locally as Amagasani, including royal escorts, ritualists, the chief priest (Omusuuna), and select dignitaries or family members. This restricted access was in line with traditional burial practices, highlighting the significance of the event and the need for reverence.
A Google Lens reverse image search of the clip revealed that it was taken from a TikTok account called Mel's Holy Pleasure Decor, which posts content featuring decorated graves. The particular clip was originally posted on the page in July 2025, long before King Oyo's passing on 27 August 2026.
PesaCheck's fact-checking initiative aims to help the public separate fact from fiction in public pronouncements, with a focus on public finances and media reportage. The organisation partners with Facebook and similar social media platforms to sort fact from fiction and provide deeper insight and context to posts.
The fact-check was written by senior PesaCheck fact-checker Pius Enywaru and edited by PesaCheck senior copy editor Cédrick Irakoze and chief copy editor Stephen Ndegwa. The article was approved for publication by PesaCheck's managing editor Doreen Wainainah, ensuring the accuracy and credibility of the information.
PesaCheck is East Africa's first public finance fact-checking initiative, co-founded by Catherine Gicheru and Justin Arenstein, and incubated by Code for Africa. The organisation seeks to promote transparency and accountability in public finances and media reportage, ultimately contributing to better governance and decision-making.
Key points
- The TikTok video claiming to show King Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru's grave is false.
- Royal burials in Tooro Kingdom follow established cultural protocols and take place at designated royal burial sites.
- PesaCheck's fact-checking initiative aims to promote transparency and accountability in public finances and media reportage.
