By Guest Writer
[Family appeals for Shs500m for India treatment, Shs10m for urgent care at Mulago; kingdom urged to issue verified fundraising details]
A distressing image circulating online Thursday night showed Tooro crown prince David Kiijanangoma Araali lying on a walkway at the Mulago-based Uganda Cancer Institute, prompting an urgent appeal from his family and associates.
“Dear Tooro community, friends and in-laws of Tooro Kingdom, Prince Kiijanangoma needs all your support, financially, emotionally and morally,” read the message shared widely on WhatsApp and social media. “He’s suffering from throat cancer.”
According to the appeal, the prince requires approximately Shs500 million to access specialized treatment in India. In the short term, the family says about Shs10 million is needed to meet immediate medical costs at Mulago.
Hospital burden, not commenting on individuals:
The Uganda Cancer Institute at Mulago treats over 7,000 new cancer patients annually and has previously flagged overcrowding and funding gaps that sometimes force patients to wait in corridors. UCI staff cannot discuss individual cases without patient consent.
KINGDOM, FAMILY CHANNELS PENDING
By press time, the Office of the Omukama of Tooro had not issued a formal statement. Cultural leaders in Fort Portal said they were verifying the appeal and would advise the public on any kingdom-sanctioned fundraising drive.
The circulating message listed personal contacts for the prince and a person identified as his PRO. For security reasons, health authorities and police advise well-wishers to use only bank accounts or mobile-money lines confirmed by the Uganda Cancer Institute, the family’s lawyers, or the Tooro Kingdom administration.
COST OF CANCER CARE:
UCI referral data shows overseas treatment for advanced throat cancer typically ranges from Shs200m to Shs600m once surgery, radiotherapy, travel, and post-operative care are factored in. Local supportive care can run at Shs5m–Shs15m monthly depending on drugs and diagnostics.
Prince Kiijanangoma Araali is an eminent member of the Tooro royal family. Further details on his condition and the family’s next steps are expected once an official communication is released. (For comments on this story, get back to us on 0705579994 [WhatsApp line], 0779411734 & 041 4674611 or email us at mulengeranews@gmail.com).
