His Royal Highness Paul Sande Emolot, the Emorimor of the Iteso Cultural Union (ICU), has hailed the establishment of Kumi Orthopedic Centre as a divine gift to the people of Teso and Uganda at large.
Speaking during a high-profile visit to the facility on Tuesday, HRH Emorimor described the hospital as a “centre of excellence” and a shining example of what faith, vision, and hard work can achieve when guided by God.
“This facility is not only a miracle from God, but it is a testament to what is possible for us as the Iteso people,” the cultural leader remarked.
“It is unimaginable that we now have such a world-class orthopedic centre right here in Teso. It must serve as a learning story for all Iteso, that nothing is impossible if we walk with God.”
Emorimor further used the occasion to announce a long-term strategic plan by the ICU.
“We have developed a 10-year development blueprint under the ICU. The focus is on promoting education among our children in marketable and transformative courses that align with national and global trends. We want to empower the next generation with skills that will develop not only Teso but Uganda,” he revealed.
Emorimor called on the Ministry of Health and other partners to support Kumi Orthopedic Centre despite its private status.
“This is not just another private hospital. It handles complex and serious orthopedic cases that many government facilities are unequipped to deal with. Supporting it is not about charity, it is about national health security,” he stressed.
He praised Dr. John Ekure, the Executive Director of the centre, for his unwavering commitment to specialized healthcare.
“I call upon the staff here to continue supporting Dr. Ekure. A healthy community is a productive society. What you are doing is helping build Teso’s future.”
In his remarks, Dr. John Ekure welcomed the Emorimor’s endorsement, noting that the recognition by the cultural leader would go a long way in spotlighting the importance of the facility.
“We are deeply honored to host the Emorimor at Kumi Orthopedic Centre. His visit is not only a blessing but a spotlight that brings attention to the work we are doing,” Dr. Ekure said.
“This is a specialized hospital providing services that would normally require people to travel to Kampala, Nairobi, or even abroad. Instead, people are now traveling from across the country to come to Kumi for treatment, and while they’re here, they also spend in the local economy. That’s a direct boost to our municipality.”
Dr. Ekure also commended the government for its contributions.
“Government has played a role in enabling us to operate.They gave us a secure environment to build and even recognized our efforts when they awarded us in 2014 for creating a specialized orthopedic hospital in a rural setting. President Yoweri Museveni himself came here to officiate the opening.”
However, he emphasized that running such a facility remains a challenge.
“Orthopedic care is expensive globally. We strive to offer it at the bare minimum cost, yet even that can be too high for the local person. Every shilling paid by patients is reinvested into running the facility, paying doctors, nurses, cleaners, and maintaining the machines.”
Dr. Ekure called for a shift in priorities, urging people to move beyond historical grievances and towards innovation and productivity.
“For decades we have talked about cattle compensation, yet many of those who speak loudest today were not even born during the time of rustling. Look at Israel, they face conflict almost every day, yet their economy thrives with a per capita income of $50,000. What are we doing as Iteso?” he challenged.
He decried the widespread idleness in the region.
“Walk through our villages, you’ll find people drinking all day, playing cards, watching football endlessly. We are not working. We need a mindset change. We need to innovate, to educate ourselves, to acquire practical skills and build a better future for Teso.”
Dr. Ekure also called on clan leaders and community influencers to become ambassadors of the facility.
“Help us spread the word. Let people know that specialized care is available here, and that this facility belongs to them.”
“This hospital proves that Teso is not forgotten. It is rising. And with more efforts in education, health, and unity, we shall reclaim our dignity and greatness.”
The Kumi Orthopedic Centre, established with the vision of providing accessible and quality orthopedic services in Eastern Uganda, continues to draw patients from across the country and neighboring regions.
It is now being viewed not only as a medical facility, but as a symbol of possibility, purpose, and progress for the Iteso people.
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