The Uganda Medical Association (UMA) has called for a swift and thorough investigation into the murder of Dr. Wilfred Olila, a renowned Ear, Nose, and Throat (ENT) surgeon, who was tragically killed on his way home from work last Friday.
Dr. Olila, a lecturer at Soroti University and a practitioner at New Moroti Clinic, was last seen leaving the clinic around 7 p.m. after a busy day preparing for scheduled surgeries the following day. Hours later, his lifeless body was discovered tied with ropes, abandoned, and bearing the only identifier: a blue UMA-branded T-shirt.
UMA President Dr. Herbert Luswata condemned the violent attack, describing it as a grave injustice against health workers. “This act of brutality has robbed us of a dedicated medical professional. Such heinous crimes against those serving the nation must not go unpunished,” he said, urging the police to expedite investigations and bring the perpetrators to justice.
Dr. Olila, who graduated from Makerere University in 1984 with a Bachelor of Medicine and Surgery, was a highly respected figure in Uganda’s medical community. He later pursued a Master of Medicine in Otorhinolaryngology, Head, and Neck Surgery in 2008, solidifying his expertise and dedication to improving healthcare in the country.
The incident has sparked outrage and concern within the medical fraternity. Health workers have highlighted the increasing risks they face, including violence and inadequate security, while carrying out their duties. The UMA has called on authorities to prioritize the safety of medical professionals, who play a critical role in safeguarding public health.
Dr. Luswata emphasized the need for collective action to protect health workers and ensure such tragedies are not repeated. “Dr. Olila’s death is not just a loss to the medical fraternity but also to the many patients whose lives he dedicated himself to improving,” he said.
Police investigations into the incident are ongoing, but the medical community and the public are urging immediate action to ensure accountability and justice for the late surgeon, whose legacy of service will be remembered in Uganda’s healthcare history.
Uganda faces a shortage of ENT professionals. A survey of ENT services in sub-Saharan Africa reported a total of 847 ENT surgeons across 22 countries, highlighting the limited number of specialists in the region.
To address this gap, institutions like Mbarara University of Science and Technology have established otolaryngology training programs to increase the number of qualified ENT surgeons in the country.
Members of the Uganda Medical Association (UMA) Lango Branch have described Dr. Wilbert Olila as a mentor and source of inspiration to many specialists.
The body of Dr. Olila, who was a surgeon and UMA member, was discovered on Saturday along the Otuboi-Abalanga road in Ogolai village, Ogwolo Sub-County, Kalaki District. His hands and legs were tied with ropes, and his face was covered in blood.
Dr. James Okello, the Head of the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at Lira Regional Referral Hospital (LRRH) and General Secretary of UMA Lango Branch, called Dr. Olila a friend and mentor who inspired many. He lamented that the murder highlights the undervaluing of medical practitioners and called for better treatment and respect for those in the profession.
He emphasized the need for trainers like Dr. Olila in Northern Uganda to drive transformation in the healthcare system.
Senior consultant gynecologist Dr. Drake Adupa, who worked alongside Dr. Olila for many years at Lira Hospital, described him as an open and bold individual who mentored numerous doctors. Dr. Adupa expressed disbelief and sadness over the killing of such a kind-hearted and reserved surgeon.
Dr. Adupa also credited Dr. Olila with establishing the first ENT department at Lira Hospital. He stressed that with only two young ENT surgeons now remaining in the entire Lango sub-region, Dr. Olila’s death leaves a significant gap in the field.
At the time of his death, Dr. Olila was a pensioner of LRRH and in private practice. He operated New Moroto Medical Center in Lira City and served as a lecturer in the ENT Department at Soroti University.
Dr. Olila will be laid to rest on Saturday, January 25, at his ancestral home in Ayami, Lira District.