By Mike Rwothomio

ZOMBO: President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni will be the chief guest at a thanksgiving ceremony honoring the distinguished ophthalmologist Dr. Amos Nyathirombo on June 20, 2025, in Warr, Zombo District.

Dr. Nyathirombo, a highly experienced ocular surgeon, has made significant contributions to ophthalmology since the 1990s, providing specialized eye care services in Uganda, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), and beyond.

His expertise in ocular surgery and commitment to public health have earned him widespread recognition.

On March 8, 2025, President Museveni awarded Dr. Nyathirombo the Diamond Jubilee Medal for his exemplary community service and decades-long dedication to improving eye care.

In recognition of his impactful work, the Alur community, to which Dr. Nyathirombo belongs, has organized this thanksgiving event to celebrate his contributions.

In an interview following the launch of the Paidha Sub-committee at Skylux Garden in Paidha Town Council on May 19, Dr. Nyathirombo confirmed President Museveni’s attendance. He also noted that dignitaries, including the World Health Organization’s Country Director, Uganda’s Minister of Health, fellow medical professionals, and researchers from Ghana, Liberia, and the DRC, with whom he is collaborating on a novel pharmacological treatment for river blindness, will attend.

Dr. Nyathirombo’s contributions include his pivotal role as a member of the Trachoma Control Programme Task Force. The task force conducted a nationwide survey to assess the prevalence of trachoma, a leading cause of preventable blindness. The findings facilitated funding from the World Health Organization, enabling the Ministry of Health to revise policies and distribute medications in trachoma-endemic regions, significantly reducing the disease’s impact.

Opthalmologist Dr.Amos Nyathirombu is celebrated for his extensive contribution to the eye care services.

“I was recognized in 2018 for my eye care services in West Nile, Northern Uganda, Karamoja, Ituri Province in Eastern DRC, and beyond,” Dr. Nyathirombo stated.

He added, “I have done much for this community, and they feel it’s time to celebrate my contributions. I urge everyone to support and attend this event in large numbers.”

To ensure the event’s success, sub-committees have been established in Warr, Arua, Kampala, and Paidha for mobilization and logistical planning. 

Dr. Benson Oloya, a lecturer in the Chemistry Department at Muni University, Arua, and chairperson of the central organizing committee, called on the medical fraternity, religious and cultural leaders, and the Alur community to support the event.

Over 5,000 people are expected to attend the ceremony at Dr. Nyathirombo’s home in Warr, Zombo District.

During the Paidha Sub-committee launch on May 18, Zombo’s Chief Finance Officer, Emmy Kalonzo, was elected chairperson, with Fred Mungacel as deputy, Shepherd Jayer as secretary, and Barbara Kwiocwiny as vice-chairperson.

Kalonzo emphasized the event’s historical significance and urged collaborative efforts to ensure its success.

Dr. Nyathirombo’s illustrious career includes serving in Mbale, at Holy Family Hospital Nyapea, Arua Regional Referral Hospital, and Mulago National Referral Hospital. He has also lectured at Gulu and Makerere Universities.

In 2018, Parliament recognized his contributions to eye care in Uganda and beyond. Notably, in March 2025, he was the only male recipient of a medal from the Ministry of Gender, Labour, and Social Development.

Currently, Dr. Nyathirombo is co-developing a novel treatment for onchocerciasis with researchers from Liberia, Ghana, and the DRC, advancing therapeutic options for this debilitating disease globally.

At the Paidha Sub-committee launch, Assistant Resident District Commissioner Bruno Manano praised Dr. Nyathirombo for elevating the Alur community’s reputation through his distinguished career and called for collective support for the event.

Ophthalmologists like Dr. Nyathirombo play a critical role in healthcare by diagnosing and treating ocular diseases, performing complex surgeries, and preventing blindness.

Their expertise in managing conditions such as cataracts, glaucoma, trachoma, and onchocerciasis improves patients’ quality of life and reduces the socioeconomic burden of vision loss. Through surgical interventions, medical management, and research, ophthalmologists enhance visual health, promote community well-being, and contribute to global health initiatives, particularly in underserved regions.

Mike Rwothomio is news editor at zoomer Africa