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A sombre mood engulfed Hoima town on Sunday, July 6, as chief prince (Okwiri) Fred Mugenyi Rucunya, the head of the Babito ruling clan in the Bunyoro-Kitara Kingdom, was rushed to Nakasero Hospital in Kampala in critical condition.
According to his wife, Harriet Businge Muhenyi, who is also the Woman MP for Hoima district, Okwiri Mugenyi began feeling unwell on Friday, July 4 and was admitted to City Medical Centre in Hoima.
While his condition initially stabilised on Saturday, it took a sudden turn for the worse on Sunday morning.
Speaking to New Vision on Sunday, Businge said her husband’s deteriorating health prompted a medical worker at City Medical to refer him to a hospital in Kampala for advanced treatment.
“The situation is not good. I was forced to leave the field, where I was canvassing for support in the NRM primaries, to take my husband to Kampala for further treatment. But I am requesting every kingdom subject to pray for us because there is nothing as powerful as prayers,” she said.
Harriet Businge Muhenyi (left) being consoled by the kingdom's subjects.
Okwiri’s brother, Omubito Okyaki Nyabongo Rwakiswaza, confirmed that the chief prince is battling high blood pressure and diabetes.
He noted that his condition worsened on Sunday afternoon, prompting the family to transfer him to Nakasero Hospital, where he normally receives treatment, for better management.
He called on the kingdom’s subjects to remain calm and urged both religious leaders and members of the public to pray for Okwiri.
By press time, a number of concerned kingdom subjects had gathered at City Medical Centre to show their solidarity and support.