By Musisi Lwanga
The ongoing RR Eye Camp has gained remarkable momentum, with thousands of patients flocking to Bukedea Teaching Hospital Grounds in Bukedea District to access free eye care services.
Organized by the Ruparelia Group in memory of the late Rajiv Ruparelia, the initiative has attracted overwhelming numbers and widespread praise from organizers, partners, and local leaders who addressed the media on its progress and impact.
Speaking to this publication, Sheena Ruparelia, representing the Ruparelia Foundation, described this year’s camp as a major milestone in the evolution of the initiative.
“We’ve arranged an eye camp to screen individuals for cataracts, general eye conditions, as well as provide prescription and reading glasses,” she said.
She emphasized that this fourth edition goes beyond previous ones.
“This eye camp is more special than the ones we’ve done before. It’s actually our fourth, and this year we’ve introduced surgeries for children, as well as prescription glasses for them.”
However, she noted the complexity involved in pediatric care, explaining that children’s prescriptions must be individually processed in Kampala.
“It’s a big milestone for us because we have to physically send the glasses back to Kampala to customize prescriptions for each child,” she said.
According to the organizers, the camp has cost over UGX 2 billion, covering expensive surgeries, glasses, and other essential medical services.
Sheena stressed that the initiative was designed to provide complete solutions rather than partial interventions.
“Most screening camps in Uganda only identify problems and leave patients to find their own treatment. For us, that is not enough—we are here to provide solutions,” she said.
The Ruparelia Foundation deployed a team of 15 Ugandan doctors, including surgeons, fully equipped with medication and tools to ensure on-site treatment.
Providing updates, she revealed that attendance had exceeded expectations.
“We expected to screen about 4,000 people, but we’ve been overwhelmed. We estimate around 3,000 people are still waiting, 2,000 have already been registered, and 10 surgeries have been completed so far, including two for children. Another 30 patients are waiting for surgery,” she said.
She added that dozens of patients had already received prescription glasses, while a parallel blood donation drive had collected 45 units.
She also expressed gratitude to partners including Mulago Hospital, Seek Care, Bukedea Teaching Hospital, Anita Foundation, and Victoria University.
Reflecting on the mission behind the camp, Sheena highlighted the family legacy driving the initiative.
“This eye camp was started by our parents. They once told me about a 90-year-old woman who had not seen for over 10 or 15 years but walked out of the camp seeing again. That is why we continue to do this,” she said.
She described this year’s edition as a tribute to Rajiv Ruparelia.
“Rajiv was larger than life. He always went beyond the norm, and that is why we decided this camp would be bigger and offer more services.”
Also addressing the media, Vice Chancellor Lawrence Muganga shared a personal story reflecting Rajiv’s generosity.
“We are here to remember a friend and brother, and to do the things he loved,” he said.
He recounted how Rajiv once allowed a struggling family member to stay longer at Bukoto Heights despite not being able to pay rent.
“He had never seen me, but he said, ‘As long as she pays for her meals, let her stay one more week.’ That is the kind of person he was,” Muganga said.
He praised the camp for offering comprehensive care.
“Patients are not just screened and sent away—they receive treatment, surgery, glasses, and aftercare. That is very important,” he noted.
Muganga also highlighted the overwhelming turnout and the dedication of volunteers, including over 100 students from Victoria University.
“We expected about 4,000 to 5,000 people, but the numbers are much higher. Even with over 100 volunteers, the demand is still great. However, they are committed, and I am confident the work will be completed,” he said, adding that similar initiatives could be extended nationwide.
Bukedea MP-elect Beecham Okwere David described the camp as transformative.
“This is heart-touching—it is giving a second life to people who could not see properly,” he said, noting the high cost of eye treatment in Uganda.
“Even if someone sold all their property, they might still not afford such care. What has been done here is truly commendable.”
He added that the initiative has grown beyond the region.
“This is no longer just about Bukedea or Teso. People have come from Mbale, Gulu, and even across the border from Kenya. It is now a national camp,” he said.
On behalf of local leaders, he expressed deep gratitude.
“In our culture, we kneel to show appreciation for such generosity. We thank the Ruparelia Foundation and look forward to continued collaboration to improve the lives of our people.”
As the camp continues, its massive turnout, expanded services, and deeply personal tribute have positioned it as both a critical healthcare intervention and a powerful continuation of Rajiv Ruparelia’s legacy of compassion and service.
