Bukedea District is witnessing an extraordinary wave of hope and healing as the Rajiv Ruparelia Memorial Eye Camp continues to attract thousands seeking free eye care services at Bukedea Teaching Hospital.
By the second day of the three-day outreach, more than 5,000 people had turned up, underlining the overwhelming demand for specialized eye treatment in Eastern Uganda. Of these, at least 1,500 patients have already received medical attention, including over 120 life-changing eye surgeries.
The camp, organised by the Ruparelia Foundation in memory of the late Rajiv Ruparelia, is rapidly emerging as one of the largest medical outreaches in the region both in scale and impact.
Leading the coordination on the ground, Dr. Lawrence Muganga, Vice Chancellor of Victoria University, described the initiative as a powerful blend of service delivery and medical training.
“This is not just about treatment—it is also about building capacity,” Dr Muganga said. “Our students are actively involved in screening patients, dispensing glasses, and supporting surgical procedures. They are gaining invaluable hands-on experience while making a real difference in people’s lives.”
For many beneficiaries, the camp represents a rare opportunity to access services that would otherwise be financially out of reach.
Eye surgeries in private facilities can cost between Shs3 million and Shs15 million figures that remain unattainable for the majority of rural households. At Bukedea, however, patients are receiving consultations, medication, eyeglasses, and even complex surgeries at no cost.
“This is a huge relief for our people,” Dr Muganga noted. “Many have lived with these conditions for years simply because they could not afford treatment.”
The outreach has drawn patients not only from Bukedea but from across the Teso sub-region and beyond, including areas such as Mbale, Soroti, Kumi, Gulu, and even neighboring Kenya.
Health workers say the diversity and distance of patients highlight a deeper systemic gap in access to eye care services, particularly in rural and underserved communities.
At the hospital grounds, long queues form early each morning as patients wait patiently for screening and treatment. For many, the journey to Bukedea has been long and difficult but necessary.
Beyond the statistics, the camp is restoring dignity and independence.
Elderly patients who had gradually lost their sight are regaining the ability to move freely. Adults are returning to work, while children who once struggled in school due to poor vision are now able to see clearly again.
Medical teams are providing a full spectrum of services from basic eye examinations and medication to prescription glasses and surgical interventions for conditions such as cataracts.
Patients requiring minor care are treated on-site, while those needing surgery are scheduled and attended to by teams working extended hours to meet the demand.
Dr Muganga commended the Ruparelia Foundation for financing and organizing the initiative, describing it as a model of impactful philanthropy.
He also praised the Speaker of Parliament, Anita Annet Among, for her role in mobilising communities and ensuring that those in need are aware of and able to access the services.
Equally vital, he noted, are the doctors, nurses, students, and volunteers whose dedication has kept the operation running smoothly despite the massive turnout.
“Their commitment and compassion are what make this possible,” he said.
As the camp enters its final day, organisers are urging those who have not yet received care to take advantage of the remaining opportunity.
Services are expected to continue until Sunday evening, with medical teams working tirelessly to attend to as many patients as possible.
While the outreach has already transformed thousands of lives, it also serves as a stark reminder of the urgent need to expand access to affordable eye care across Uganda.
For now, Bukedea stands as a beacon of hope where sight is being restored, and with it, a renewed sense of possibility for thousands who had long been left in the dark.