By Musisi Lwanga
Anita Among, the Speaker of the Parliament of Uganda, on Tuesday joined the Ruparelia Foundation and several partners at Kabira Country Club for the official launch of the upcoming RR Eye Camp in Bukedea District, organised in honour of the late Rajiv Ruparelia.
Rajiv, the son of city businessman Sudhir Ruparelia, died in a car accident along Busabala Road in May last year. The memorial eye camp has been organised to celebrate his passion for philanthropy and community service.
Speaking during the launch, Jyotsna Ruparelia, a director at the Ruparelia Group, said the outreach holds deep personal meaning for the family because it reflects Rajiv’s strong belief in giving back to society.
“This eye camp is very special to us because it is in memory of our son Rajiv, who always believed in philanthropy and supporting communities in need,” she said.
Speaker Among commended the Ruparelia Foundation for complementing government efforts by extending vital health services to underserved communities across the country.
She praised the foundation, led by Sudhir Ruparelia, for its continued commitment to humanitarian causes and improving access to essential services for ordinary Ugandans.
During the event, Sudhir Ruparelia, chairman of the Ruparelia Group, expressed gratitude to the Speaker for the support she has shown to the family over the years and the compassion she extended to Rajiv during his lifetime.
“I want to thank Anita Among for the love she always showed Rajiv while he was alive and for standing with our family even today. Your support to this eye camp reflects your deep concern for the people of Bukedea and Uganda,” he said.
Sudhir also revealed that the memorial outreach will not be a one-off event but will become a biennial initiative aimed at reaching underserved communities across the country.
“This will become a regular outreach held every two years in different regions so that more Ugandans can benefit. After Bukedea, the next camp will be organised in Kasese District,” he announced.
The RR Eye Camp is scheduled to take place from Friday, March 27 to Sunday, March 29, 2026, at Bukedea Teaching Hospital. Organisers expect to provide free eye screenings and basic treatment for at least 2,000 people, conduct 300 cataract surgeries, and perform 50 specialised surgeries for children, among other services.
The medical outreach is being implemented in partnership with Mulago National Referral Hospital and C-Care, bringing together specialised medical teams to deliver critical eye care services to communities that often lack access to such treatment.
During the camp, patients will receive free eye examinations, cataract screening, reading glasses, children’s spectacles, and cataract surgeries for selected patients.
Residents from Bukedea District, Soroti, Mbale, Gulu, Lira, Tororo and Kapchorwa have been encouraged to attend and take advantage of the free services.
The initiative is also supported by several corporate partners including Swastik Pharmaceuticals, Dembe Trading Enterprises, Abacus Pharma, Goldstar Insurance, Pepsi, Royal Pharma 2011 Ltd, Joban Group, Risha International Ltd, Lato Milk and Gittoes Pharmaceuticals.
Organisers say the outreach is expected to significantly improve access to eye care services in eastern Uganda while continuing Rajiv Ruparelia’s legacy of philanthropy and community impact.
