Celebrating Life
Museveni praises late Dr Sikyewunda for commitment to saving lives
The former Bundibugyo district health officer was hailed for his lifelong commitment to saving lives and serving the people.
Ntabazi (right) and fellow Members of Parliament lay a wreath on the casket. (Photo by Jonan Tusingwire)
By: Jonan Tusingwire, Journalist @New Vision
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Uganda's President Yoweri Museveni has paid glowing tribute to the late Dr William Sikyewunda as a courageous medical professional whose leadership was instrumental in the fight against the deadly Ebola outbreak that hit Bundibugyo district in 2007.
Speaking during his burial, Museveni, in an eulogy delivered on his behalf by State Minister for Lands, Harriet Ntabazi, hailed the former Bundibugyo district health officer for his lifelong commitment to saving lives and serving the people.
Harriet Ntabazi delivers the President's speech. (Photo by Jonan Tusingwire)
He described Sikyewunda as a distinguished medical practitioner who dedicated his career to improving healthcare and stood at the forefront of one of the district's greatest public health emergencies.
"His legacy of service and hard work will remain an inspiration to the present and future generations," said the President.
As district health officer, Sikyewunda played a leading role in coordinating the response to the Ebola outbreak that was confirmed by the Ministry of Health and the World Health Organization (WHO) on November 29, 2007.
The outbreak, later identified as the Bundibugyo strain of the Ebola virus, spread rapidly across the district. By early January 2008, more than 176 people had been infected, while 36 people, including five health workers, had died.
Despite the danger posed by the highly infectious disease, Sikyewunda remained on the frontline, working alongside fellow health workers, the Ministry of Health, WHO, and other partners to contain the outbreak.
Museveni said his calm leadership, professionalism, and commitment during the crisis helped strengthen the district's response and gave hope to communities devastated by the epidemic.
Beyond his contribution to the Ebola response, Sikyewunda also served as the Member of Parliament for Bundibugyo district between 1980 and 1985, where he was recognized for championing the welfare of his constituents.
Museveni urged young people to emulate leaders like Sikyewunda, saying they should learn from elders who dedicated their lives to serving others.
Attracting doctors to Bundibugyo
Bundibugyo's efforts to address the shortage of medical doctors were transformed by Sikyewunda after he championed an incentive scheme that attracted health workers to the district.
Ntabazi, who also doubles as the Member of Parliament for Bwamba County in Bundibugyo, said the district had struggled for years to recruit doctors because many declined postings to the district.
She said the situation changed after Sikyewunda tabled a proposal before the district council to provide every newly posted doctor with an additional monthly allowance of sh1 million on top of their government salary.
Beyond his contribution to the Ebola response, Sikyewunda also served as the Member of Parliament for Bundibugyo district between 1980 and 1985, where he was recognized for championing the welfare of his constituents.
Museveni urged young people to emulate leaders like Sikyewunda, saying they should learn from elders who dedicated their lives to serving others.
Police officers escort the casket to the burial grounds. (Photo by Jonan Tusingwire)
Attracting doctors to Bundibugyo
Bundibugyo's efforts to address the shortage of medical doctors were transformed by Sikyewunda after he championed an incentive scheme that attracted health workers to the district.
Ntabazi, who also doubles as the Member of Parliament for Bwamba County in Bundibugyo, said the district had struggled for years to recruit doctors because many declined postings to the district.
She said the situation changed after Sikyewunda tabled a proposal before the district council to provide every newly posted doctor with an additional monthly allowance of sh1 million on top of their government salary.
"After 2007, every doctor who was posted to Bundibugyo would refuse to come. But Dr Sikyewunda came up with an initiative in the council and proposed that all doctors posted to the district be given an extra sh1 million in addition to their salaries. That attracted many doctors to Bundibugyo."
The minister described the late doctor as a visionary leader who understood the challenges facing the district's health sector and worked to find practical solutions to improve service delivery.
Family concerns
Sikyewunda's family criticized the treatment he received at Kiruddu Hospital, saying delays in accessing emergency care may have worsened his condition.
Speaking during the burial, son-in-law Robert Bautu expressed disappointment with the hospital's response after the family rushed the former legislator there in critical condition.
"We went to Kiruddu and they said they could not admit him at night. He was badly off and losing breath. This is not proper. As a country, we must stand up for ourselves.
“The minister should go to Kiruddu Hospital and see what is happening there. This is why private hospitals are taking over because government hospitals are not responding to us," he said.
Bautu added that healthcare professionals have a duty to uphold their calling regardless of the circumstances.
"We must be in a position to defend our profession even when circumstances do not warrant."
The family said the experience raises broader concerns about access to emergency medical services in public health facilities, especially for critically ill patients requiring immediate attention.
The minister described the late doctor as a visionary leader who understood the challenges facing the district's health sector and worked to find practical solutions to improve service delivery.
Family concerns
Sikyewunda's family criticized the treatment he received at Kiruddu Hospital, saying delays in accessing emergency care may have worsened his condition.
Speaking during the burial, son-in-law Robert Bautu expressed disappointment with the hospital's response after the family rushed the former legislator there in critical condition.
"We went to Kiruddu and they said they could not admit him at night. He was badly off and losing breath. This is not proper. As a country, we must stand up for ourselves.
“The minister should go to Kiruddu Hospital and see what is happening there. This is why private hospitals are taking over because government hospitals are not responding to us," he said.
Bautu added that healthcare professionals have a duty to uphold their calling regardless of the circumstances.
"We must be in a position to defend our profession even when circumstances do not warrant."
The family said the experience raises broader concerns about access to emergency medical services in public health facilities, especially for critically ill patients requiring immediate attention.
Sikyewunda was laid to rest on Friday (July 31) at an official burial ceremony marked by a gun salute in Hikyetangya sub-county in Bundibugyo.