The 30th of October and the 9th of November will forever be etched in our hearts as days of profound loss and sorrow. These dates mark the untimely passing of the late Dr. Cyprian Opira, a respected leader and the Executive Director of our hospital. His departure sent shockwaves not only through our hospital and community but also across the Acholi sub-region, Uganda, and East Africa as a whole. The cold hand of death has taken from us a visionary whose impact extended far beyond our immediate surroundings.
With heavy hearts and shadows of grief touching everyone for a life so selflessly dedicated to the service of others, people turned out overwhelmingly to outpour their love and respect as they bid farewell to the beloved late Dr. Cyprian Opira.
During the Requiem Mass presided over by the new Archbishop of Gulu, His Grace Raphael Wokorach p’Mony, over 5,000 people gathered to pay their respects. The congregation included notable figures such as the State Minister for Northern Uganda, Kenneth Omona, members of parliament, representatives from the Uganda Medical Association, cultural leaders, and community members from all walks of life. United in their respect and admiration, they came together to honour the late Dr. Cyprian Opira’s immense contributions to healthcare and society.
In his eulogy, His Grace Raphael Wokorach p’Mony, spoke poignantly about the late Dr. Cyprian Opira’s unshaken commitment to improving healthcare in Uganda. He highlighted how Dr. Opira’s ever-present white clinical coat was a symbol not only of his baptism but also of his deep love and dedication to his work. The Archbishop urged everyone to embrace the virtues of dedication and compassion in their own professions, emphasizing that compassion should be at the heart of all medical workers.
Florence Opira (Middle), the widow of the late Dr. CP during the funeral mass
At 2:16 PM, following the Mass, as the casket was rolled along the walkway he once trod, tears welled up and flowed freely among family members and mourners. The procession continued towards his final resting place. As the sun shone over the resting place of Lacor Hospital’s three heroes, he was laid to rest beside his predecessors.
Collectively, one after the other, starting with the family members, people bid farewell to Dr. Cyprian Opira. Each person solemnly dropped a handful of sand onto his casket, a gesture of final respect and love. This was followed by a short, heartfelt prayer, asking for his soul to continue thriving in the hearts he healed, the dreams he nurtured, and the lives he served.
Among the mourners, Rwot Santo Apire of the Atiak chiefdom stood as the chief mourner, representing the very land that bore and nurtured Dr. Cyprian Opira. His presence highlighted the impact Dr. Opira had on countless lives, demonstrating the deep and lasting influence he had on the community.
At the sombre gathering, Dominque commonly known by her native name, Atim, the President of the Corti Foundation, took to the podium to deliver her heartfelt eulogies. With a voice filled with both sorrow and resolve, she spoke of the cherished memories and the profound loss felt by all. As she paid tribute to the departed, she seized the moment to reecho a critical plea—the urgent need for a CT scan machine, the burden of its maintenance costs, and the necessity for seconded specialists by the government to supplement the human resources in the hospital. Her words deeply touched the mourners, highlighting the ongoing struggle to provide adequate medical care and the unyielding commitment of the Corti Foundation to overcome these challenges. Her impassioned speech served not only as a tribute to the departed but also as a rallying cry for the community to come together and support these vital healthcare needs
Dominque (R) lays a wreath on Dr. CP’s casket
Concluding her heartfelt speech, she conveyed her confidence in the future of Lacor Hospital’s leadership. She reassured all those present that Dr. CP had devoted significant effort to nurturing capable leaders who were ready to carry forward his vision. Reflecting on his mentorship, she spoke of how Dr. CP had inspired the next generation of healthcare providers, instilling in them the values of dedication, compassion, and excellence. “Dr. CP has nurtured outstanding leaders who are more than capable of upholding his legacy and continuing his work.”
In the garden of life, he sowed seeds of healing and hope, nurturing dreams and restoring spirits with tender care. His hands once an instrument of life, now rest, but his legacy blooms eternally in the hearts he touched.
Farewell, Dr. Cyprian Opira, our healer, our guide, and our inspiration.
