Africa-Press – Uganda. The Tooro Kingdom has launched a three-day free surgical camp for children with limb deformities at Fort Portal Regional Referral Hospital, marking the start of King Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru Rukidi IV’s coronation and birthday celebrations.
King Oyo directed that this year’s birthday tributes be used to support vulnerable families with life-changing medical care.
Instead of receiving traditional birthday gifts from subjects and well-wishers ahead of his April 16 celebration, the king urged the Kingdom to invest in healthcare for children in need.
“His Majesty asked that what would have been given to him be redirected to help children with medical challenges,” said Tooro Kingdom Prime Minister Calvin Armstrong Rwomiire.
“This is a gesture of leadership grounded in compassion.”
The camp targets children suffering from fractures, rickets, knee deformities, and chronic bone infections.
Tooro Kingdom’s Minister of Health, Dr. Beyeza—also a senior specialist in orthopaedic care—confirmed that over 50 children will receive surgery, all scheduled to be completed by April 9.
“We are committed to fulfilling His Majesty’s vision of transforming lives, especially those of the youngest and most vulnerable,” Dr. Beyeza said.
The initiative is supported by a team of US-based health experts led by Dr. Lanka Rodriguez and Apostle Dr. Sea Holland, who have made it an annual tradition to serve in the Kingdom every April.
“King Oyo’s compassion for his people inspired us to keep coming back,” said Dr. Rodriguez. “It’s not just about the surgeries—it’s about restoring hope.”
Dr. Bahizi Archbald Newton Sebahire, Acting Director of Fort Portal Regional Referral Hospital, expressed gratitude for the camp, noting that the hospital typically lacks the capacity to treat such specialized cases.
“This camp is a game-changer for us,” Dr. Bahizi said. “We’ve been referring these children to distant facilities. Now, they can receive expert care right here at home.”
The surgical outreach sets the tone for a series of coronation and birthday events meant to celebrate not just the King, but the spirit of giving and transformation that defines his reign.
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