Iryaruvumba Eye Clinic Set to Catalyze Health, Development, and Unity in Rubuguri

The Iryaruvumba Eye Clinic and health centre has been tipped to boost
the health, development and business sectors once it is completed.

Located at Iryaruvumab Archdeaconry headquarters in Rubuguri town
council, the eye clinic project initiative was proposed by one Isaiah
Tumwesigye in 2013 the church adopted it and started in 2014.

According to the Chairman of the construction committee, Tumuheirwe
John, Isaiah proposed the initiative due to the then surge in eye
diseases yet there was no nearby clinic specialised in eye treatment.

Speaking to The Black Examiner, Tumuheirwe said that eye diseases have
been common and are still surging in Bukimbiri County due to its close
proximity with the Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, a bleeding area
for black flies that spread the disease.

He noted that a total budget of 300 million shillings had been estimated
to complete the construction process for this eye clinic before it was
interrupted a few years later.

Tumuheirwe revealed that the budget looked huge for an archdeaconry but
each village in Rubuguri pledged to make a contribution through
mobilising clans (Ebika) that raised a good amount of funds.

He appreciated the then Bishop, Right Rev. Cranmer Mugisha who welcomed
the project and allowed it to be established on church land.

He commended King Ceasor Mulenga who contributed over about 150 million
shillings by then in the first fundraising to start up the project. He
also thanked Christians and all residents of Kirundo Sub County and
Rubuguri town council for embracing the project and offering their
support both in finance and kind.

Rev. Steven Butera, the archdeacon of Iryaruvumba Archdeaconry said that
the archdeaconry is determined to contribute to the development of the
area through different projects like piggery, cattle keeping, saving
groups, ministry and boosting the health sector.

He noted that the eye clinic will limit the community’s expenditures
especially on transport in search of medical services. He also noted
that it will provide job opportunities to people hence increasing
government revenues.

Meanwhile, Rev. Butera says that the health centre will provide an
opportunity to the church to offer Holistic ministry to people that
don’t often go to church.