Kampala’s Lord Mayor, Erias Lukwago, is currently recuperating in a hospital in Gurgaon, India, following a successful neck surgery. The procedure, known as anterior cervical decompression and fusion spinal surgery, was performed at Fortis Memorial Research Institute, approved by the Uganda Medical Board last month.
In a recent update shared on X, formerly known as Twitter, Lukwago posted photos from his hospital room, showing him seated with a cannula tube for a drip in his right arm and a small bandage on his left wrist. Despite the medical paraphernalia, he wore a smile, expressing gratitude for the successful surgery and the support he received from medical experts, family, friends, and well-wishers from Uganda and beyond.
The decision for Lukwago to undergo surgery in India stemmed from the recommendation of several neurosurgeons and physicians. He had been suffering from a herniated disc, causing severe pain and tingling in his back and upper left limb for over two months.
Dr. Henry Mwebesa, the Director General of Medical Services, outlined Lukwago’s medical condition in a letter to the consultant neurosurgeons at Medanta Mediclinic Cybercity, New Delhi. The letter detailed Lukwago’s diagnosis of cervical spine issues, including disc prolapse, foraminal stenosis, and acute radiculopathy, necessitating specialized treatment unavailable locally.
Accompanied by his brother as an attendant, Lukwago’s travel and treatment costs were committed to by the Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA). The Uganda Medical Board approved his travel to India for the surgery, emphasizing the need for anterior cervical decompression and fusion spinal surgery.
This medical journey follows Lukwago’s prior treatment in Kenya, where he was admitted to Nairobi Hospital earlier this year due to severe pain. His recent surgery in India marks a significant step forward in his ongoing health journey, with hopes for a full recovery and return to his duties as Kampala’s Lord Mayor.
