Zombo district council petitions President Museveni to establish hospital honoring Dr. Nyathirombo

Zombo: The Zombo District Council has officially appealed to President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni to establish a hospital in honor of Dr. Amos Nyathirombo, a renowned ophthalmologist and distinguished member of the Alur community, in recognition of his exceptional service to eye care and public health across Uganda and beyond.

The resolution was passed unanimously during a council meeting held on May 27, 2025, where Sadiki Onencan, Chairperson of the Social Services Committee, introduced the motion.

“The council respectfully requests His Excellency the President to establish a district hospital in recognition of Dr. Amos Nyathirombo’s contributions to humanity,” Onencan stated.

Dr. Nyathirombo has been a pioneer in ophthalmology since the 1990s, offering specialized eye care services throughout Uganda, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), and neighboring regions. His work managing complex ocular diseases and promoting community eye health has earned him national and international acclaim.

On March 8, 2025, President Museveni awarded Dr. Nyathirombo the Diamond Jubilee Medal for his lifelong commitment to public health and his impact on eye care delivery across regions including West Nile, Northern Uganda, Karamoja, Eastern Uganda, and the Ituri Province of DRC.

Council members also praised Dr. Nyathirombo’s role in reviving St. Aloysius College Nyapea, through his leadership as Chairperson of the school’s Old Boys Association. Once a flagship academic institution in West Nile, the college had suffered administrative setbacks before its revival.

Zombo District LCV Chairperson James Oruna Oyullu described him as: “A true son of the Alur, who has tirelessly dedicated his life to serving humanity.”

Francis Bolingo, Councilor for Athuma Sub-County, called on Ora County MP Songa Biyika Lawrence, who attended the meeting, to relay the hospital proposal directly to the President.

Tom Orwodhi, Secretary for Social Services, lauded Nyathirombo’s dedication and humility, noting that he is “approachable, hardworking, and truly deserving of this recognition.”

The resolution also includes a proposal to establish a diagnostic laboratory in Dr. Nyathirombo’s name.

The hospital request comes as the Alur community prepares to host a grand thanksgiving event on June 20, 2025, at Dr. Nyathirombo’s home in Warr Sub-County, Zombo District, to honor his achievements.

President Museveni is confirmed as the chief guest, alongside dignitaries such as the WHO Country Director, the Minister of Health, and international medical researchers from Ghana, Liberia, and the DRC, with whom Dr. Nyathirombo is collaborating on a novel pharmacological treatment for onchocerciasis (river blindness).

In an interview, Dr. Nyathirombo highlighted his involvement in the Trachoma Control Programme Task Force, which conducted Uganda’s nationwide survey on trachoma prevalence. The data led to World Health Organization (WHO) support, enabling the Ministry of Health to update treatment policies and reduce trachoma cases significantly.

“I was recognized in 2018 for my eye care services in West Nile, Northern Uganda, Karamoja, Ituri Province, and beyond,” Dr. Nyathirombo said. “I urge the community to support and attend this event in large numbers.”

A central organizing committee led by Dr. Benson Oloya, a lecturer at Muni University, is coordinating logistics and mobilization with sub-committees in Warr, Arua, Kampala, and Paidha. The event is expected to attract over 5,000 attendees.

Dr. Nyathirombo’s career spans top health institutions including Mulago National Referral Hospital, Arua Regional Referral Hospital, Holy Family Hospital Nyapea, and Mbale Hospital.

He has also lectured at Makerere and Gulu Universities and was recognized by Parliament in 2018 for his contributions to public health.

Ophthalmologists like Dr. Nyathirombo are essential in diagnosing and treating preventable causes of blindness such as cataracts, glaucoma, trachoma, and onchocerciasis.

Through surgical intervention, clinical care, and research, they significantly improve quality of life and reduce the socioeconomic burden of visual impairment particularly in underserved communities.

As the June 20 thanksgiving draws near, stakeholders across Uganda and the region are rallying to celebrate and honor a man whose vision both literal and symbolic continues to brighten countless lives.

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