The King of Tooro, Omukama Edward Rukidi Nyabongo I, has called on the public to embrace early cancer screening and healthy lifestyles, while announcing plans to mobilise funds for the construction of the King Oyo Memorial Cancer Hospital.
The King said early detection and timely treatment could help address the growing burden of cancer, urging the public to take advantage of medical camps and other screening opportunities. He made the call on Sunday during a prayer service at Christian Fellowship Cathedral in Fort Portal City, where he expressed concern about the increasing number of people, including prominent personalities, succumbing to the disease.
Omukama Nyabongo cited the death of his predecessor, Omukama Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru Rukidi IV, and other members of the public as a reminder of the need to prioritise cancer prevention and treatment. He urged people to be mindful of their lifestyles, noting that some lifestyle choices can increase the risk of developing certain cancers. He also encouraged regular medical check-ups and other preventive measures.
The King revealed that the Tooro Kingdom plans to mobilise resources for the construction of the King Oyo Memorial Cancer Hospital through a fundraising marathon scheduled for December 19.
The call comes amid concerns about the burden of cancer in the region and across Uganda. Dr Archibald Bahiizi Ssebahire, a senior executive consultant at Fort Portal Regional Referral Hospital, said at least one in every 40 patients seeking care at the facility has cancer or manifestations of the disease, while one in every 30 patients is considered at risk of developing cancer.
Statistics from the Uganda Cancer Institute also indicate a 14 per cent increase in cancer diagnoses among children. Cervical cancer remains among the most common cancers in Uganda, alongside prostate, breast, oesophageal and liver cancers, as well as leukaemia and other forms of the disease.
Meanwhile, Fort Portal City Mayor Rev. Willy Kintu Muhanga asked the King to become an ambassador for the tourism city, saying his influence, international exposure and connections could help attract investment and promote the region. Muhanga said Tooro had for years been associated with challenges including high HIV prevalence, poor academic performance, inadequate infrastructure and high levels of malnutrition.
He said the region needed to change this image by promoting positive developments and attracting investment, urging the King to take a leading role in the effort. The lead pastor of Christian Fellowship Cathedral, Pastor Dickson Lubega, also appealed to the government to address the region’s development needs, saying Tooro had been neglected for a long time.
The prayer service was attended by Queen Consort Rebecca Amoding Abwooli Nyunyuzi, Musuuga Charles Kamurasi, Deputy Musuuga Bernad Kato Rwakatale, Batebe Grace Kijanangoma, other members of the royal family, political leaders and members of the public-URN. Give us feedback on this story through our email: kamwokyatimes@gmail.com
