Kampala Lord Mayor Erias Lukwago Flown to India for Spinal Surgery

Kampala Lord Mayor Erias Lukwago has been flown to New Delhi, India for an urgent spinal surgery. Lukwago, 54, departed for India's capital on Wednesday afternoon to undergo the operation at Medanta Mediclinic Cybercity.

The surgery was recommended by Dr. Norbert Orwotho, a Spine Surgeon and Consultant Orthopaedic at Mulago Hospital in Kampala. Medical reports indicate that Lukwago was diagnosed with C6-7 cervical discopathy over two months ago and has not responded to conservative treatment. An MRI scan revealed C6-7 reduced disc height, asymmetrical left-sided disc bulge, and cervical spondylotic changes causing chronic pain and numbness in his left upper limb.

Why this matters: The health of elected officials can have significant implications for governance and public service. Lukwago's medical treatment abroad also highlights the challenges faced by Uganda's healthcare system in providing advanced surgical procedures.

Dr. Orwotho stated that surgical decompression with spinal fusion is necessary to alleviate Lukwago's severe symptoms. However, due to the lack of sufficient operative capacity in Uganda, the decision was made to refer Lukwago to India for the surgery.

The Uganda Medical Board approved Lukwago's travel to India for the anterior cervical decompression and fusion spinal surgery. "Lukwago requires immediate surgery," Dr. Henry G. Mwebesa, Director General of the Ministry of Health, wrote in a referral letter to the Consultant Neurosurgeons at Medanta Mediclinic.

Lukwago will be accompanied by his brother, who will serve as his attendant during the medical trip. The Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA) has committed to covering all expenses related to Lukwago's travel, treatment, and stay in India.

Family members anticipate that Lukwago will spend between three weeks to one month in New Delhi, depending on the progress of his treatment and recovery. Earlier this year, Lukwago was also rushed to Kenya for specialized treatment and underwent surgery to remove a bulging vertebra from his neck.

Dr. Mwebesa's referral letter emphasized the urgency of Lukwago's condition, stating that the Lord Mayor requires immediate surgical intervention to address his cervical spine issues. The Uganda Medical Board's approval and KCCA's financial support have paved the way for Lukwago to receive the necessary treatment in India, given the limitations of Uganda's healthcare infrastructure in handling such complex surgical procedures.

Key Takeaways

• Kampala Lord Mayor Erias Lukwago flown to India for urgent spinal surgery
• Diagnosed with C6-7 cervical discopathy, not responding to conservative treatment
• Surgical decompression with spinal fusion recommended, but lacking capacity in Uganda
• Uganda Medical Board approved Lukwago's travel to India for the surgery
• KCCA to cover all expenses related to Lukwago's travel, treatment, and stay in India