28 May 2025 · Radio Pacis Newsroom
By Mike Rwothomio Zombo Zombo District Council has formally requested President Yoweri Museveni to establish a hospital in honor of Dr. Amos Nyathirombo, a distinguished ophthalmologist and revered member of the Alur community, recognizing his extensive contri
By Mike Rwothomio
Zombo
Zombo District Council has formally requested President Yoweri Museveni to establish a hospital in honor of Dr. Amos Nyathirombo, a distinguished ophthalmologist and revered member of the Alur community, recognizing his extensive contributions to eye care and public health.
Dr. Nyathirombo, a seasoned ocular surgeon, has significantly advanced ophthalmic care since the 1990s, delivering specialized services across Uganda, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), and neighboring regions.
His expertise in managing complex ocular conditions and dedication to improving visual health have earned him widespread acclaim.
On March 8, 2025, President Museveni awarded Dr. Nyathirombo the Diamond Jubilee Medal, recognizing his exemplary community service and decades of commitment to enhancing eye care.
During a council meeting on May 27, 2025, Sadiki Onencan, Chairperson of the Social Services Committee for Zombo District, moved a motion to honor Dr. Nyathirombo.
The motion received unanimous support from all councilors, who praised his transformative impact on thousands of lives across West Nile, Northern and Eastern Uganda, and Ituri Province in Eastern DRC.
“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.
Council members also commended Dr. Nyathirombo’s leadership as Chairperson of the Old Boys Association of Nyapea, where he revitalized St. Aloysius College Nyapea, a once-thriving institution in the West Nile region that had declined due to administrative challenges.
Additionally, the council proposed the creation of a diagnostic laboratory named in Dr. Nyathirombo’s honor, acknowledging his over two decades of expertise in ophthalmic care.
Zombo District LCV Chairperson James Oruna Oyullu described Dr. Nyathirombo as “a true son of the Alur, who has tirelessly dedicated his life to serving humanity.”
Francis Bolingo, Athuma Sub-County Councilor, urged Ora County MP Songa Biyika Lawrence, present at the meeting, to escalate the hospital proposal to the President.
Tom Orwodhi, Secretary for Social Services, lauded Dr. Nyathirombo as “approachable, hardworking, and truly deserving of this recognition.”
The resolution to establish a hospital in his honor was formally adopted as a working document during the council session, chaired by Speaker Hassan Ringtho, who echoed the call for a community health facility.
The resolution coincides with preparations by the Alur community for a grand thanksgiving event to celebrate Dr. Nyathirombo’s contributions, scheduled for June 20, 2025, in Warr, Zombo District.
President Museveni is confirmed as the chief guest, joined by dignitaries including the World Health Organization’s Uganda Country Director, the Minister of Health, and medical professionals and researchers from Ghana, Liberia, and the DRC.
Dr. Nyathirombo is collaborating with these researchers on a novel pharmacological treatment for onchocerciasis (river blindness).
In an interview, Dr. Nyathirombo confirmed the event details and highlighted his role in the Trachoma Control Programme Task Force.
This task force conducted a nationwide survey to assess trachoma prevalence, a leading cause of preventable blindness.
“I was recognized in 2018 for my eye care services in West Nile, Northern Uganda, Karamoja, Ituri Province, and beyond,” Dr. Nyathirombo stated. “I urge the community to support and attend this event in large numbers.”
Sub-committees in Warr, Arua, Kampala, and Paidha are coordinating mobilization and logistics to ensure the event’s success.
Dr. Benson Oloya, Chairperson of the central organizing committee and a lecturer at Muni University, called on the medical community, religious and cultural leaders, and the Alur community to support the initiative. Over 5,000 attendees are expected at Dr. Nyathirombo’s home in Warr.
Dr. Nyathirombo’s illustrious career includes service at Mbale, Holy Family Hospital Nyapea, Arua Regional Referral Hospital, and Mulago National Referral Hospital, as well as academic contributions at Gulu and Makerere Universities.
Currently, Dr. Nyathirombo is advancing global health through his collaborative research on a novel onchocerciasis treatment, addressing a debilitating disease prevalent in underserved regions.
