Dr. Cyprian Opira: Time and Legacy

Born on the 11th of September 1961 to Aneta Ayaa and Urmari Abwoch of Atiak Pupwonya, Dr. Cyprian Opira, fondly referred to as Dr. CP, went to Olya Primary School, St. Mary’s College Kisubi, Makerere University, and Milan State University.

His love for medicine was inspired by his sister who was a nurse at Lacor Hospital and he would visit her from time to time. When he graduated from Makerere University, Dr Cyprian came to Lacor Hospital as an intern Medical Officer in 1983.

Because of his passion and love for patients, he caught the eye of Dr Piero Corti who was entrusted with the management and growth of the hospital since 1961. He was later sent to Italy to specialise in radiology and for a very long time, he was the only radiology specialist in the region. When the Radiotherapy machine at Mulago National Referral Hospital broke down in the 1990s, Lacor was the only active radiotherapy unit serving the entire country for some time including Western Kenya, Rwanda, Eastern DRC, and Sudan.

In the advent of the LRA war in northern Uganda, Dr Cyprian was the only one capable of performing ultrasound for both war victims and obstetrics patients, a duty which greatly aided surgery for war victims and avoided backlog. In 1999, he was named the acting Medical Superintendent when Dr Mathew Lukwiya, the then Medical Superintendent went to pursue his Master’s in Public Health at Makerere University.

Just a year into his tenure, Ebola struck in October 2000. Dr Cyprian immediately informed Dr Mathew who rushed back home and together, they coordinated local response although Dr Mathew lost his life in the fight. Dr Cyprian’s leadership and courage were instrumental in encouraging the hospital staff to carry on even if 13 of them were taken by Ebola. There was a lot of fear among the workers and some left the hospital.

L-R: Drs Emintone Odong, Cyprian Opira, Martin Ogwang. The three were instrumental in the transition following the death of Dr. Piero Corti

Following the death of Dr Corti in 2003, Dr Cyprian continued offering leadership and he was named the Executive Director of Lacor Hospital in 2008, a position he held till his death on October 30th, 2024. During this time, the hospital services expanded to include the training of medical students from Gulu University. When again Covid struck in 2020, Lacor was well prepared, drawing lessons from the experience during the Ebola outbreak, and was able to quickly mobilise resources in collaboration with the Ministry of Health.

In November 2023, Dr. CP was accorded a Lifetime Achievement Award during the Heroes in Health Award gala dinner held at Speke Resort Munyonyo by the Ministry of Health for his dedication and service above self.

Despite being the Executive Directive, Dr Cyprian was always available for his patients, working overtime and during odd hours whenever called upon. Although he suffered a long illness and had a vasculitis of unknown origin which resulted in the amputation of both of his fore foot, his commitment never wavered. He was always available for consultation, even on his sickbed.

His sacrifice has continued to be an inspiration for many staff who work beyond self. He has been an ardent student of Drs. Lucille and Corti who dedicated all their life to the service of others and the growth of the hospital. Dr. Lucille in particular, contracted HIV while performing surgery on soldiers during the war in northern Uganda but continued to serve until her death.

Dr Cyprian continued to guide the hospital in pursuing its mission of providing quality services to the most vulnerable at the least possible cost in spite of the economic challenges of our time. The hospital fees have remained the lowest among private non-profit hospitals in Uganda.

He was taken ill in December 2019 and underwent various modalities of treatment both within and outside the country.

“When we realised that his health was deteriorating, we asked him to rest,” says Dr. Martin Ogwang, the Institutional Director. “But he told us he’d work for his patients until he could no longer do so.”

Even in his sickbed, Dr. Opira would ask for radiology for radiology images to be transmitted to him for interpretation. To him, nothing could separate him from the love of his profession. The long hard-fought battle was lost on Wednesday 30 October 2024 at 12:40 pm from Mulago National Referral Hospital.

He is survived by 4 boys, 2 girls and a grandchild. Dr. CP was married to Florence Alonyo Opira.

Tributes

“Dr. Opira’s commitment to healthcare and his exemplary leadership have left an indelible mark on our institution and the community at large. His dedication and tireless efforts have significantly contributed to the mission and vision of St. Mary’s Hospital Lacor” Dr. Emintone Odong Ayella, Medical Director.

“He lived among us for 34 years. A part of us has left.” Dr. Martin Ogwang, Institutional Director.

“Dr CP was an intelligent selfless, humble, gentle yet at heart a strong and courageous man – as strong as a lion, impeccable in character, patient with a listening ear, dedicated in his profession, never complaining nor finger pointing but a critical thinker and solutions-oriented. He was concerned more about others’ problems than his own.” Pier Paul Ocaya, Hospital Administrator.

“We feel deeply sorry for this profound loss, and lucky to have crossed his path, even if only for a short time.” Italian Cooperation, Nairobi Office.

“If professionalism were a person it would be Dr. CP. After the death of the Cortis and Dr. Mathew Lukwiya, he stood firmly in the gap ensuring that Lacor Hospital continued to excel. May his Soul rest in Peace.” Hon. Norbert Mao, Minister of Justice and Constitutional Affairs.

“During his month-long internship with Reuniti Hospitals in Bergamo in 2007, Cyprian deepened his radiology and health management expertise, integrating useful knowledge to apply into his daily practice at Gulu. President Tullia Vecchi, with her husband Luigi, remembers with fondness the many moments spent together in the Ugandan Hospital, on the way to becoming a doctor. His legacy will continue to inspire us all.” Nepios ONLUS Association.

“I am saddened to hear of the passing of Dr. CP. I trained under him and later developed a respectful collaborative relationship. He was very crucial in helping us train EMBLEM doctors in Uganda, Tanzania, and Kenya to learn to perform ultrasound-guided biopsy of deep-seated tumors suspected to be Burkitt lymphoma. He was humble, supportive, and encouraging. His patients, colleagues, and family will deeply feel his loss. May God comfort them during this difficult time.” Sam M. Mbulaiteye, Senior Investigator, National Cancer Institute (USA).

“CP , a Dr of rare dedication! He basically worked even while on his death bed , what a noble character. They have shaped the culture and character of professionalism in Lacor Hospital. May his memories be blessed and his soul rest in peace.” Dr. Kenneth Omona, Minister for Northern Uganda.

Social Life

• Past President – Rotary Club Gulu and Paul Harris Fellow
• Vice Chairman, Diocese Health Board
• Order of Merit, Uganda Medical Association Award
• Presidential Award Excellent Medical Service
• Ex-Chairman Board of Trustees Gulu College School
• Ex-Chairman Board of Trustees, Heath Integrated Development organization
• Ex-Chairman & Elder, Uganda Medical Association – Acholi Branch
• Active Member – Association of Radiologists in Uganda
• Heroes in Health Award – Lifetime Achievement Winner, 2023

Timelines

PROFESSIONAL WORK

He will be greatly missed in the ministry of healing. Till we meet again!