Speaker among launches free eye camp in Bukedea in memory of Rajiv Ruparelia

11 March 2026, 11:04 am

By Ronald Ssemagonja

The Speaker of Parliament, Anita Among, yesterday joined other dignitaries in Kampala to launch a three-day eye camp initiative in Bukedea District aimed at providing free eye treatment to residents. The outreach, organized by the Ruparelia Foundation, is being held in memory of the late Rajiv Ruparelia, who died last year.

The eye camp will take place from March 27 to 29, 2026 at Bukedea Teaching Hospital, where thousands of people from the Teso sub-region and neighboring areas are expected to receive free eye screenings, cataract surgeries and spectacles. During the launch, the Speaker pledged to contribute 50 million Uganda shillings towards the initiative.

Also present at the launch was the Vice Chancellor of Victoria University Kampala, Lawrence Muganga, who revealed that the university will support the exercise by deploying 80 medical students to assist during the camp.

“This is more than just an outreach. The people who will be doing the checkups, assisting in surgeries, dispensing medicine and supporting patients will include our students. These are nurses and health sciences students from Victoria University working hand in hand with the medical teams. Through this initiative, we are impacting society, but we are also empowering our students. They gain exposure that prepares them to serve communities better in the future,” Muganga said.

He added that such initiatives reflect the values the late Rajiv Ruparelia believed in. Muganga explained that helping people regain their sight could also open doors to education and opportunities in the future.

“These are the things Rajiv would have loved to see. Who knows, tomorrow the child who cannot see today might become one of our students. If that child receives treatment today and regains their sight, in one or two years they may come to us as students. Education begins with the ability to see the world clearly,” he said.

Muganga also praised Sudhir Ruparelia and his family for their continued investment in education and community development, noting that the family has supported many vulnerable but bright students through scholarships.

Health experts estimate that the Bukedea eye camp will screen more than 2,000 patients, conduct hundreds of cataract surgeries and provide spectacles and specialized treatment to people suffering from preventable blindness.

The outreach is being organized in partnership with Mulago National Referral Hospital and C-Care, bringing together specialized eye care teams to extend treatment services to rural communities.

Muganga emphasized that beyond restoring eyesight, the initiative is meant to restore hope to many families.

“Through this camp, we are not just restoring eyesight; we are restoring hope, creating opportunities and shaping futures. Today’s patients could be tomorrow’s students, leaders and changemakers,” he said.

The Ruparelia Foundation confirmed that all services during the three-day eye camp will be provided free of charge.