By Mike Rwothomio

Renowned ophthalmologist Dr. Amos Nyathirombo has announced plans to establish a comprehensive eye care facility in Zombo District, aimed at addressing the prevalent ocular morbidities, including cataracts, trachoma, and uncorrected refractive errors, in the Greater Nebbi area.

Dr. Nyathirombo, a distinguished eye care specialist, revealed this initiative during his thanksgiving ceremony on June 20, 2025, at Ukemu Playground in Warr Town Council, Zombo District. 

“We screened over 300 visually impaired individuals, but only 145 received surgical intervention. The remaining patients, in dire need, pleaded for our return,” Dr. Nyathirombo told attendees, emphasizing the urgent need for a permanent facility.

The ceremony, attended by prominent figures including His Majesty Ubimu Philliph Rauni Olarker III, Alur King, the Bishop of Nebbi Church of Uganda, West Nile lead RCC and RDC Ms Getrude Ubedi, Major General Dick Olum, and medical professionals

A four-day medical outreach camp (June 16–19, 2025) preceded the event, serving 655 patients from Zombo, Nebbi, Pakwach, and eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). Of these, 391 were diagnosed with cataracts, 145 underwent successful cataract surgeries, and 38 received excisional procedures for other ocular conditions, all provided free of charge.

Opthalmologist Dr. Amos Nyathirombo

Dr. Benson Oloya , a lecturer at Muni University and chair of the organizing committee, highlighted the camp’s success and community engagement.

"We had many areas where patients were attended to by many doctors, a total of 655 patients were attended to, of all these 391 were booked for cataracts surgery, out of that, 145 cataracts surgery were conducted successfully , and then total excision that were done were 38” Dr Oloya stated.

Recent statistics on cataracts

According to a 2021 Ministry of Health report, cataracts are the leading cause of blindness in Uganda, accounting for 57.1% of cases, with an estimated 2.5 million Ugandans experiencing moderate to severe visual impairment.

A 2024 WHO African Region report notes that 26.3 million people in the region have visual impairments, with cataracts, glaucoma, and uncorrected refractive errors as primary causes.

In Uganda, approximately 167,000 individuals are blind, with cataracts contributing to 95,190 new cases annually.In refugee populations, such as those in Adjumani camps, blindness prevalence is 20%, with cataracts (42%), xerophthalmia (28%), and trachoma (25%) as leading causes. 

These conditions are largely preventable or treatable with timely interventions, highlighting the critical need for accessible eye care.

Impact on the Greater Nebbi Community

Zombo District, with a population exceeding 300,000, relies on limited healthcare infrastructure: Nyapea Hospital (a Catholic-founded), facility), Warr Health Centre IV, and several lower-tier health centers. 

These facilities are often understaffed and ill-equipped to manage complex ocular conditions, with many patients referred to Arua Regional Referral Hospital, over 70 km away. The influx of patients from the DRC further strains resources.

Dr. Nyathirombo’s Nyathirombo’s proposed facility aims to provide accessible, specialized ophthalmological services, including phacoemulsification for cataracts, laser therapy, and management of infectious eye diseases.

By decentralizing care, it will serve patients who cannot afford long-distance travel or private treatment, reducing the burden and preventing avoidable blindness.

Retired Canon Tom Wacibra, Dr. Nyathirombo’s father, pledged 2 acres of land for the facility, eliciting widespread community support.

Alur King His Majesty Ubimu Philliph Rauni Ularker III, urged Alur communities to prioritize education to produce more professionals like Dr. Nyathirombo.

While Nebbi Anglican Bishop Pons Ozelle Awinju lauded his humanitarian service in his homily, adding " we believe in You Dr Nyathirombu"

Zombo LCV Chairperson James Oruna Oyullu announced council resolutions to establish a laboratory named after Dr. Nyathirombo and advocate for a government-funded hospital in his honor.

Dr. Nyathirombo’s Legacy

Dr. Nyathirombo’s contributions transcend clinical care. His research on Moxidectin, approved by the FDA in 2018 for onchocerciasis (river blindness) treatment, and his leadership in Uganda’s Trachoma Control Programme, which achieved WHO-supported nationwide treatment distribution, have significantly reduced blindness prevalence.

Honored with the Diamond Jubilee Medal on March 8, 2025, he continues to mentor students at Gulu University and provide free sight-saving surgeries across Uganda and the DRC.

The establishment of an eye care facility in Zombo promises to transform healthcare delivery in Greater Nebbi, addressing the high burden of preventable blindness.

Dr. Nyathirombo’s initiative, supported by community and regional leaders, exemplifies a sustainable approach to tackling Uganda’s eye health crisis.

Mike Rwothomio is news editor at zoomer Africa