Government has been urged to establish a cancer institute in the Tooro region to improve access to cancer screening, early detection and treatment following the death of King Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru Rukidi IV.
Ntoroko District Woman MP Jennifer Mujungu, who is also a cousin of the late King, made the call on Friday, September 4, as Tooro Kingdom received the remains of King Oyo, who died in the United States on August 27 following a cancer-related illness.
Mujungu said the King’s death should prompt the Government to strengthen cancer services in the region so that residents can access timely diagnosis and treatment without having to travel long distances.
“As we all know, our Majesty died of cancer. As the people of Tooro, we ask the government to put for us in the Tooro region a cancer institute so that all of us can access it for check-ups and, in case of any detection, for early treatment and management because now it is becoming a very terrible disease,” Mujungu said.
She said a specialised cancer facility in Tooro would enable residents to access regular screening and facilitate early detection, which is critical for effective cancer management.
Mujungu’s call comes as Tooro mourns the death of King Oyo, whose passing has plunged the Kingdom and the country into grief.
The King’s body was returned to Uganda on Friday and received at the airport by President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni before being airlifted to Kyegegwa.
From Kyegegwa, the remains were transported through Fort Portal to the Karuzika Royal Palace in an open-glass Mercedes-Benz hearse.
At the palace, the remains were received by the head of the Babiito royal clan, Charles Akiiki Kamurasi, also known as the Omusuuga, alongside members of the royal family, religious leaders and other mourners.
Tooro Kingdom has now entered a nine-day mourning period characterised by traditional rituals and restrictions as preparations for the King’s burial continue.
King Oyo is expected to be buried on September 12, the day he was crowned in 1995 and which would have marked his 31st coronation anniversary, known as Empango.
Before the burial, the Kingdom is expected to install a new King to succeed Oyo, marking the beginning of a new chapter for the Tooro monarchy.
