Bishop Muhiirwa asks Omukama to push for cancer centre in Tooro

The Bishop of Fort Portal Catholic Diocese, Robert K. Muhiirwa, has asked Omukama Edward Rukidi Nyabongo I to use his influence to rally government support for a specialised cancer treatment facility in Tooro, saying the centre would help save lives and honour the memory of his predecessor, the late Omukama Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru Rukidi IV.

Bishop Muhiirwa, who is himself a cancer survivor, said the proposed facility would improve access to specialised treatment for people in Tooro and surrounding areas, sparing patients and their families some of the difficulties associated with seeking cancer care elsewhere.

He made the remarks on Sunday during a Mass at Virika Cathedral in Fort Portal City, where Nyabongo I, his mother, Omujwera Nyina Omukama Yusta Asiimwe, and other kingdom officials attended.

The Mass coincided with World Mission Sunday, when Catholics worldwide pray for missionaries and support the Church's evangelisation mission. This year's observance marks the centenary of the celebration.

Bishop Muhiirwa said he had already approached the Minister of Health, Dr Chris Baryomunsi, about the need for a specialised cancer treatment facility in Tooro and had been encouraged to submit a formal request.

He told the king that he had written to the minister and wanted the kingdom's leadership to follow up on the matter with the government until it becomes a reality.

"Omukama Oyo died of cancer; I said it before, and I repeat it now, I want the government to build a hospital for treatment of cancer in the Kingdom of Tooro in remembrance of Oyo, and for treatment of our people with cancer, because me I am a survivor of cancer," he said.

Bishop Muhiirwa said he met the Minister of Health on October 3 and discussed the need for the facility, and said he has fulfilled his part by writing to the minister, and it was now up to Nyabongo I and his administration to maintain engagement with the government.

He urged the kingdom and the Church to speak with one voice, saying unity would strengthen their appeal for the proposed facility.

"Let us talk one voice, not be disunited as you have been talking; if we all speak one voice over this issue, it will become easy for us, but if we take different paths, it will be hard. I request that you use your authority and we collaborate to see what we want [cancer facility] to become a reality," Bishop Muhiirwa said.[King]

The bishop also commended Nyabongo I for appointing an interim team of 11 advisers, saying their experience and reputations could help guide the kingdom during the transition.

On October 5, the king, through his Principal Private Secretary, Mr Paul Businge Nyakana, announced the appointment of the interim advisory committee to advise his administration.

The team comprises Elisa Kakyomya, Chris Kaijuka, Barnard Tungwako, Isaiah Mayombo, Peace Mutuuzo, Binta Kasojo, Flavia Rwabuhoro, Abdallah Mangalji, William Byaruhanga, Aston Kajara and Monica Rubombora.

The bishop urged Nyabongo I to take the advice of his team seriously, saying the guidance would be important in shaping the kingdom's future.

"I have been looking at the list of your advisers, they are all men and women of good record, and I appeal to you that the advice they give you, take it as important, because it will help to see your kingdom and our kingdom be good," Bishop Muhiirwa said.[Abagizi]

He pledged that the Catholic Diocese of Fort Portal would collaborate with the kingdom on its programmes, including efforts to address challenges affecting young people.

The bishop said religious leaders could add their voices to the kingdom's efforts to discourage reckless behaviour among youth and encourage them to make responsible choices.

In his remarks, Nyabongo I raised concerns about what he described as declining parental responsibility in nurturing children and passing on cultural values.

He said he had received statistics indicating that some children were out of school, teenage pregnancies were a concern, and some boys were using marijuana and other drugs.

Nyabongo I said such challenges threatened the wellbeing of young people and the kingdom's development.

"Parents, I am asking you to let us go back to see that we nurture our children on traditional values; we teach them our Tooro culture. For us, when we were growing up, those bad cultures that our children are embracing were not there; even when they were there, they were at a low rate. People would not hear them," he said.

He called on parents, religious leaders and the wider community to work together to guide children as they grow, emphasising the need to preserve Tooro's cultural values.

Nyabongo I also raised concern about HIV/Aids prevalence in Fort Portal, saying the statistics he had received were worrying, appealing to parents and religious leaders to help educate young people about the risks associated with early sexual activity and encourage them to make responsible decisions.

"Let our young people avoid sexual acts because those behaviours are where AIDS comes from; it's bad to see young girls; for them, they fear getting pregnant, other than getting HIV/AIDs, it pains a lot. You should fear both of them. Let us teach and nurture our child as they grow to be patient until the rightful time," he said.

The king urged families to provide guidance and support to children as they grow, while religious institutions were encouraged to complement those efforts through counselling and community outreach.

Nyabongo I said that, in his reign, the government remains an important stakeholder in the kingdom's development plans and would need to be engaged to help Tooro achieve its aspirations.

He also urged the people of Tooro to remain united and work together, warning that division could undermine development efforts.

Since his enthronement, Nyabongo I has visited different faith communities, attending prayers at St John's Cathedral in Ruwenzori Diocese, an Anglican church, and Friday prayers at Kabarole Main Mosque before joining Catholics at Virika Cathedral.