30 Children Get Free Corrective Surgery for King Oyo’s 34th Birthday

Thirty children underwent corrective surgery from a free corrective surgical camp organized by the Tooro Kingdom as part of the 34th birthday of  Omukama Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru IV.

King Oyo was born on 16 April 1992, to Patrick David Matthew Kaboyo Olimi III, the then King of Tooro, and Queen Best Kemigisa.

The camp, which started on Monday and ended on Thursday at Fort Portal Regional Referral Hospital in Fort Portal city, was conducted through the kingdom’s Ministry of Health in partnership with Hands of Mercy Health Initiative.

Dr. Tito Beteza, the Kingdom’s Health Minister, said the beneficiaries were treated for conditions such as bow legs (X-legs), clubfoot, limb infections, and fractures. He added that five adults also underwent surgery during the camp.

Dr. Beteza noted that these operations restore hope and confidence among the children and give them a chance for a better future. He added that many parents cannot afford the high cost of such procedures, and offering free services is a relief to the families.

Harriet Nyakake Abwooli, the Tooro Kingdom Deputy Prime Minister, revealed that Omukama Oyo does not celebrate his birthday with festivities, but instead dedicates the day to helping his people.

“Unlike many who celebrate with feasts and parties, His Majesty uses his birthday to give back to the community, especially children and youth whose families cannot afford essential services,” she said.

Nyakake added that the King’s passion for children is rooted in his own experience of ascending to the throne at the age of three.

Parents whose children benefited from the camp expressed gratitude to the King and his administration.

Dina Kebirungi from Kibaale District said her child, who had knock knees, can now walk normally after the surgery.

She explained that she had been asked to pay one million shillings for the operation at a private facility, which she could not afford, and had lost hope of him ever walking properly.

Gladys Ninsiima, whose son had clubfeet, also thanked the King for offering free services, saying her child’s condition has been corrected.