Health officials from the Rwenzori and Tooro sub-regions paid tribute to the late Omukama Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru Rukidi IV remembering him for his contribution to improving healthcare and promoting healthy lifestyles among his subjects. The tribute was made on Monday during a regional health review meeting held at Fort Breeze Hotel in Fort Portal City.
Dr Richard Mugahi the Commissioner for Maternal and Child Health at the Ministry of Health who is also the Deputy Minister of Health Tooro Kingdom led health officials in observing a moment of silence in honor of the fallen king.
Mugahi said Omukama Oyo played a significant role in the fight against HIV/AIDS among young people an effort that earned him international recognition and a role as a United Nations goodwill ambassador in the fight against HIV/AIDS.
He said the King also served as a Ministry of Health immunization ambassador and participated in efforts to promote vaccination including the launch of the malaria vaccine for children in 2025.
Mugahi further revealed that the Omukama offered 20 acres of land in Kyenjojo District for the construction of a specialized children’s hospital which demonstrated the monarch’s commitment to improving access to specialized healthcare for children.
Mugahi added that the King also dedicated his birthday celebrations in April each year to free surgical camps for children born with deformities where more than 1000 children had benefited.
Mugahi also recalled the late monarch’s contribution to the fight against COVID-19 saying Oyo donated 40 oxygen cylinders to Fort Portal Regional Referral Hospital during the pandemic to support the treatment and management of patients.
Beyond healthcare, Mugahi said King Oyo promoted healthy living among his subjects by encouraging participation in sports and other physical activities. Mugahi also reiterated the Ministry of Health’s advisory restricting mourners from the Democratic Republic of Congo from entering Uganda for the King’s burial.
He said although many people in eastern DRC identify with the Tooro Kingdom and would have wished to travel to Uganda to participate in the send-off of Omukama Oyo, they would not be allowed to cross into the country because of the Ebola situation in the DRC.
Mugahi said the restriction is a precautionary measure aimed at protecting Uganda from any potential risk of Ebola.
On September 4, Dr Charles Olaro the Director General of Health Services released a public health advisory noting that mourners from eastern DRC had been restricted from crossing into Uganda for the burial ceremonies.
He said the government would provide an official link through which mourners in the DRC could follow the burial proceedings virtually.
King Oyo died on Thursday in the United States, where he had been receiving medical treatment at 34 years of age. He will be laid to rest at the Karambi Royal Tombs on September 12-URN. Give us feedback on this story through our email: kamwokyatimes@gmail.com
