Clare
The Tooro Kingdom has commended the Bishop of Fort Portal, Rt. Rev. Robert K. Muhiirwa Akiiki, for initiating the idea of establishing the King Oyo Memorial Cancer Institute.
Speaking at the official launch of the Omukama Nyabongo Birthday Run, aimed at raising funds for the construction of the institute valued at UGX 3bn, in Busoro, Kabarole District, over the weekend, the chief launcher, Musuuga Charles Kamurasi Kayondo, said Bishop Muhiirwa proposed the idea during a Mass held at Karuziika Palace to pray for the late King Oyo. He noted that the initiative has since taken shape with the approval of Omukama Edward Rukidi Nyabongo I.
Musuuga described the loss of a young king to cancer as unfortunate, saying the proposed institute is expected to provide a solution to the challenges faced by cancer patients. He also called on the public to embrace early cancer screening.
Proposal for Omukama Oyo Memorial Cancer Institute
In August, following the death of Omukama Oyo, Bishop Muhiirwa who is also a cancer survivor, appealed to the government, through Members of Parliament from the Tooro sub-region, to establish a specialised cancer hospital in memory of the late King Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru Rukidi IV.
Meanwhile, Dr Richard Mugahi, Commissioner for Reproductive and Child Health at the Ministry of Health, said government is intensifying efforts to combat the growing cancer burden. He urged residents to embrace early screening and adopt healthy lifestyles, including proper eating habits and regular exercise.
King Oyo died of angiosarcoma, a rare and aggressive type of cancer that develops in the lining of blood or lymphatic vessels.