Doctors at South Africa-based Milpark hospital will tomorrow October 18 make a final decision on whether to carry out a surgery or liver transplant on Makerere’s literature professor, Abas Kiyimba.

Early this year, Prof Kiyimba’s veins ruptured, which forced blood to find alternative routes in his body. This led to the shrinking of his liver and excessive vomiting of blood. Doctors at Mulago hospital then referred him abroad for treatment.

He returned to South Africa on September 20 after a short stay here. Speaking to The Observer by telephone from South Africa recently, Kiyimba said he has slightly improved and awaits his fate.

“I’m on constant medication every other day,” Kiyimba said, in a very low tone. “I was vomiting blood but it has now not happened for some time because I strictly follow the doctor’s instructions ... I mind a lot what I eat and this has helped me so much.”

In order to avoid rupturing of the veins, doctors advised Kiyimba to avoid foods and drinks with sulphur and acid but take soft food in small quantities, water, passion juice and vegetables.

On Tuesday last week, Kiyimba said he left the theatre but still gets moments of severe pain on the right side of the abdomen, including general body weakness. During his first visit at Milpark hospital, his wife Rahma Kiyimba Nabwanika said Kiyimba would vomit blood endlessly.

“There is a time when Professor vomited blood for almost two hours. When it was time to go to the theatre, he gave me an envelope where he wrote, ‘to be read during the dark moment’.” Nabwanika said. “I felt so heart-broken but he came out successful. I’m still strong and hopeful that he will be fine.”

Before he asked to hang up and have some rest, Kiyimba said:

This story was firstpublished by The Observer media limited

“A big thank you to all people who have stood with me. I am actually overwhelmed by the contributions.”

Imam Kasozi, the head of Kiyimba’s fundraising drive, encouraged well-wishers to contribute towards his treatment.

“By September 18, we had collected up to Shs 80m. If it is a surgery, we are arranging between Shs 70m and Shs 100m and about Shs 250m for a liver transplant,” Kasozi said.

At least four people have volunteered to donate their liver and various tests are being done to establish their compatibility.