Museveni to attend thanksgiving for celebrated Ophthalmologist Dr. Nyathirombo
Dr. Nyathirombo has been instrumental in delivering specialized eye care since the 1990s.
Zombo: President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni will be the chief guest at a high-profile thanksgiving ceremony honoring renowned ophthalmologist Dr. Amos Nyathirombo on June 20, 2025, in Warr, Zombo District.
The event is being organized by the Alur community to celebrate Dr. Nyathirombo’s outstanding contributions to eye care and public health across Uganda, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), and beyond. His decades-long service in ophthalmology has made him a respected figure in medical circles.
Dr. Nyathirombo has been instrumental in delivering specialized eye care since the 1990s. His expertise in ocular surgery and dedication to underserved communities earned him national recognition. On March 8, 2025, he was awarded the Diamond Jubilee Medal by President Museveni for his exemplary service.
In a recent interview during the launch of the Paidha Sub-committee at Skylux Garden on May 19, Dr. Nyathirombo confirmed that President Museveni will attend the thanksgiving.
He also revealed that the ceremony will attract high-level guests, including the WHO Country Director, Uganda’s Minister of Health, and researchers from Ghana, Liberia, and the DRC countries collaborating with him on a novel pharmacological treatment for river blindness (onchocerciasis).
“I have done much for this community, and they feel it’s time to celebrate my contributions. I urge everyone to support and attend this event in large numbers,” said Dr. Nyathirombo.
Legacy of Service
Dr. Nyathirombo played a critical role on the National Trachoma Control Programme Task Force, which led a countrywide survey to assess the prevalence of trachoma, a leading cause of preventable blindness. The findings unlocked WHO funding, enabling the Ministry of Health to revise policy and distribute medication to trachoma-endemic areas—significantly reducing the disease’s burden.
His clinical career has taken him to Mbale, Holy Family Hospital Nyapea, Arua Regional Referral Hospital, and Mulago National Referral Hospital, in addition to academic roles at Gulu and Makerere Universities.
In 2018, Parliament recognized his contributions to eye care, and he was the only male recipient of a medal from the Ministry of Gender, Labour, and Social Development in March 2025.
Preparations Underway
Over 5,000 guests are expected to attend the thanksgiving ceremony at his home in Warr, Zombo District. To facilitate planning, organizing sub-committees have been set up in Warr, Paidha, Arua, and Kampala.
The central organizing committee is chaired by Dr. Benson Oloya, a lecturer at Muni University. He called on the medical fraternity, religious and cultural leaders, and the entire Alur community to rally behind the celebration.
During the Paidha Sub-committee launch on May 18, Zombo Chief Finance Officer Emmy Kalonzo was elected chairperson, alongside Fred Mungacel (deputy), Shepherd Jayer (secretary), and Barbara Kwiocwiny (vice-chairperson). Kalonzo highlighted the event’s historic importance and urged collective action to ensure its success.
Assistant Resident District Commissioner Bruno Manano commended Dr. Nyathirombo for elevating the Alur community’s profile through his professional excellence and urged full community participation.
Why It Matters
Ophthalmologists like Dr. Nyathirombo play a pivotal role in reducing blindness and visual impairment. Their work in diagnosing and managing diseases such as cataracts, glaucoma, trachoma, and onchocerciasis is vital for improving public health, especially in rural and underserved areas.
Their contributions not only improve quality of life for individuals but also reduce the social and economic impact of vision loss across communities.
Do you have an advertisement or article you want to publish? Mail us at theugreports@gmail.com or WhatsApp +256757022363.
