Dr Lukwiya is a symbol of solidarity

Mar 25, 2003

SIR — I disagree with Dr. Mugeni that the late Dr. Matthew Lukwiya does not deserve to be a hero.

SIR — I disagree with Dr. Mugeni that the late Dr. Matthew Lukwiya does not deserve to be a hero. Mugeni’s attitude is not only negative but also perturbing and saddening to the bereaved family, relatives, friends, the church and the entire community for which Lukwiya laid down his life. It is most unfortunate that Mugeni tried to deny the people of Gulu and other Ugandans their rights and wish to honour Lukwiya for what he did for them. Mugeni’s argument reminds many people of the bitterness and suffering caused by the ebola epidemic in 2000. Furthermore, Mugeni’s letter raised important issues of who is a hero and whether Lukwiya can be recognised as a hero in the circumstances in which he died! a hero is a person respected for being brave or has noble qualities and dies while doing something heroic or anyone who dies for a noble cause. Lukwiya died in serving humanity. What he did was over and above the normal duties expected of an ordinary medical doctor, given the hazardous and risky circumstances of the ebola epidemic, inadequate health facilities and lack of assistance from other authorities. According to sources from Lacor Hospital, Lukwiya is quoted to have said, “Those who want to leave can leave, but I will never betray my profession.” In mid-February Capt. Mike Mukula said that the kind of professional sacrifice Lukwiya and other health workers made would be the yardstick of measuring professionalism in the Ministry of health. I therefore concur with Oloro’s opinion and justification for recognising Lukwiya as a hero. The Hippocratic Oath made by doctors demands that a doctor should do everything possible to save human life to the extent of risking one’s own life. The honour that many people would like to accord to Dr. Lukwiya remains a symbol of solidarity with the people of Gulu, Masindi and Mbarara now living with the consequences of the ebola epidemic.

Paul Ochaya-Achellan
Gulu

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