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Why king of Bunyoro was airlifted using president's helicopter for treatment

His Royal Majesty Dr. Solomon Gafabusa Iguru I, the Omukama of Bunyoro-Kitara, was airlifted to Kampala on Thursday, 17th October, for medical treatment.
Bunyoro King Solomon Gafabusa Iguru
Bunyoro King Solomon Gafabusa Iguru

The King was flown to the city using the President's helicopter.

According to a statement from Andrew Byakutaga Ateenyi, the Kingdom's Prime Minister, on October 14, 2024, President Yoweri Museveni sent his personal doctor to assess the King’s health.

The President's doctor also consulted with Queen (Omugo) Margaret Karunga Adyeri, Royal Commissioners led by Omujwarakondo Dr. Kabagambe Kaliisa, the King’s Principal Private Secretary Prince Richard Kitehimbwa, and the Prime Minister, Andrew Byakutaga.

The doctor found the King stable but suffering from flu and a cough, according to the statement.

When the cough worsened, the King’s office connected his personal physicians with the President’s office.

"We are grateful that His Excellency, the President of Uganda, promptly dispatched his helicopter to airlift the King for better treatment," the statement reads. "The helicopter landed at Kololo Airstrip. The King and his accompanying team were received by the Prime Minister, Owek Andrew Byakutaga Ateenyi."

The King flew to Kampala accompanied by his wife, Omugo Margaret Karunga Adyeri, his Principal Private Secretary and Minister of Palace Affairs Prince Richard Kitehimbwa, his personal physicians, the President’s medical team, and security officers.

The Prime Minister said that the King is receiving treatment at a hospital in Kampala. "The King regularly receives medical attention whenever needed. He has medical personnel attending to him daily, 24 hours a day," the statement reads.

Dr. Solomon Gafabusa Iguru I is the 27th Omukama of Bunyoro from 1994 to present.

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