Hundreds of people suffering from preventable and treatable eye conditions regained their sight following the free medical outreach that concluded at Bukedea Teaching Hospital, with a total of 507 surgeries successfully carried out over three days.
The surgical camp, organised by the Ruparelia Foundation in memory of the late Rajiv Ruparelia, attracted a large turnout of patients from across the Teso sub-region and neighbouring districts seeking specialised eye care services.
Medical teams conducted cataract removals and other corrective procedures, restoring vision to many who had lived with impaired sight for years.
According to the camp’s official summary, 306 of the beneficiaries were male while 201 were female, with at least 34 children receiving surgical intervention.
Beyond surgeries, the outreach offered comprehensive services including eye screening, treatment for infections and the distribution of free spectacles.
The camp plays a critical role in addressing avoidable blindness in Uganda, where cataracts remain one of the leading causes of visual impairment, particularly in rural communities with limited access to specialised care.
Speaking at the closing ceremony, businessman Sudhir Ruparelia reaffirmed his family’s commitment to community support through health initiatives and other social programmes.
The event also carried cultural significance, as the Emorimor of Teso, Paul Sande Emolot, formally inducted Sudhir and his wife into the Iteso community in recognition of their continued contributions to the region.
In a further boost to local healthcare services, an ambulance was donated to Bukedea residents through a joint effort led by the Speaker of Parliament, Anita Annet Among, alongside Kachumbala County MP-elect David Beecham Okwere. The donation is expected to improve emergency response and patient referrals in the district.
Health sector reports in Uganda consistently highlight the growing burden of eye diseases, with thousands of patients requiring surgical intervention annually.
However, access to affordable treatment remains a challenge for many, making community-based initiatives like the Bukedea camp an essential lifeline.
The outreach is aimed at sustaining the legacy of Rajiv Ruparelia through impactful social programmes focused on healthcare, education and youth empowerment. Similar medical camps will be rolled out in other parts of the country to expand access to critical services as the next camp will be in Kasese.
For many beneficiaries, the Bukedea camp marked more than a medical intervention, it restored independence, dignity and renewed hope.
