By Musisi Lwanga
The Director at Ruparelia Group and Trustee of the Ruparelia Foundation, Ms. Sheena Ruparelia, has revealed that the ongoing Rajiv Ruparelia (RR) Free Eye Camp in Bukedea is uncovering a deep and urgent eye care crisis, as thousands continue turning up for life-changing treatment at no cost.
Speaking on Day Two of the camp at Bukedea Teaching Hospital, Ms. Sheena described the response as “overwhelming,” with more than 1,500 patients screened in just two days.
Of these, she noted that over 33 percent require surgical intervention, highlighting the severity of untreated eye conditions in the region.
“We have so far screened more than 1,500 patients. Out of that, over 330 require surgery, but we have already completed surgeries for 88 adults and 12 children, and we are pushing to clear the backlog before the camp closes,” Sheena revealed.
She added that medical teams completed 50 surgeries on Saturday alone, with a target of 100 for the day, underlining the intensity of the operation.
Beyond surgeries, the camp has also provided more than 400 eyeglasses to adults and prescriptions for children, offering immediate relief to hundreds struggling with impaired vision.
The scale of need in the community is further illustrated by testimonies and real-life transformations emerging from the camp.
Among the most moving cases is that of an 11-year-old boy (name withheld) whose sight was restored after treatment and receiving eyeglasses, giving him a renewed chance at education and a normal life.
Due to his age, his identity is being protected, but his recovery has become one of the defining success stories of the outreach.
Medical teams also successfully treated a one-and-a-half-year-old child born with cataracts, who can now see for the first time—an outcome Sheena described as “truly amazing.”
Meanwhile, Victoria University Vice Chancellor, Prof. Lawrence Muganga, said the overwhelming turnout reflects both regional demand and systemic gaps in access to eye care services across the country.
On Day One alone, nearly 3,000 people turned up, with over 1,000 patients attended to across various categories including screening, medication, glasses, and surgery.
“We have people coming from Kenya, Gulu, Moroto, Katakwi, and across the entire Teso sub-region. This shows the magnitude of the need,” he said.
Prof. Muganga emphasized that the cost of similar surgeries in private facilities ranges between Shs3 million and Shs15 million, making the free services offered at the camp a lifeline for low-income communities.
He also praised the selflessness of local medical teams, noting that all surgeries are being conducted by Ugandan professionals without reliance on foreign specialists.
Students from Victoria University have joined the effort, assisting with patient care, dispensing medication, and gaining hands-on experience.
Beyond Treatment: Referrals, Support, and Dignity
The outreach has gone beyond basic treatment to include critical referrals and logistical support for complex cases.
Patients requiring advanced care have been referred to facilities such as the Uganda Cancer Institute and Mulago National Referral Hospital, with the Ruparelia Foundation facilitating both transport and financial support for emergency transfers.
Post-surgery patients are also being accommodated and monitored at Bukedea Teaching Hospital, ensuring proper recovery and follow-up care.
Legacy of Rajiv Lives On
Speaking on the sidelines of the camp, comedian and MC Patrick Idringi, also known as Salvado, described the initiative as a continuation of the legacy of the late Rajiv Ruparelia.
“The smiles, the joy, and the hope you see here show how much this means. People have come from far and wide, even camping here just to receive treatment,” Salvado said.
The three-day camp, which started on Friday, will run until Sunday evening, offering free screening, surgeries, medication, and eyeglasses to thousands more expected to turn up.
Health officials and organizers have urged residents across Bukedea and neighboring regions to take advantage of the final day of the life-changing outreach.
The camp is powered by more than 200 volunteers and at least 15 Ugandan doctors, working long hours—often late into the night—to handle the surge in patients.
