Bukedea, Uganda: Victoria University will deploy more than 100 health sciences students to support the upcoming Rajiv Ruparelia Memorial Eye Camp in Bukedea District, Vice Chancellor Prof. Lawrence Muganga has announced.
Speaking at the official launch of the medical outreach at Kabira Country Club in Kampala, Prof. Muganga described the initiative as a powerful continuation of the humanitarian legacy of the late Rajiv Ruparelia.
The three-day eye camp, organised by the Ruparelia Foundation, will take place from March 27 to March 29 at Bukedea Teaching Hospital, where thousands of residents from Teso and neighbouring regions are expected to receive free eye screening and treatment.
According to Muganga, Victoria University will deploy a large team of nurses, midwives, pharmacy and other health sciences students to support medical specialists during the outreach.
“The people who will be doing the checkups, assisting in surgeries, dispensing medicine and supporting patients will include our students,” Muganga said. “These are nurses and health sciences students from Victoria University who will be working alongside the medical teams.”
The VC explained that the deployment will not only strengthen the success of the camp but will also give students practical medical exposure.
“Through this initiative we are impacting society, but we are also empowering our students,” he said. “They benefit from the practical exposure that prepares them to serve communities better in the future.”
Rajiv’s Legacy Lives On
In his further remarks, Muganga delivered an emotional tribute to Rajiv Ruparelia, saying the outreach reflects the humanitarian spirit that defined the late businessman. “These are the things Rajiv would have loved to see,” he said.
“Who knows, tomorrow the child who cannot see today might become one of our students.”
The Vice Chancellor emphasised that restoring eyesight can transform a child’s educational future. “If that child receives treatment today and regains their sight, in one or two years they may come to us as students,” he said. “Education begins with the ability to see the world clearly.”
Muganga stressed that vision plays a fundamental role in human development and education. “You need the eyes to guide your legs and direct everything you do,” Muganga explained. “So if a child is going to pursue education, they need their eyes. This camp is giving people that chance.”
Ruparelia Family Praised
Muganga also praised businessman Dr. Sudhir Ruparelia and his family for their continued investment in education and community support across Uganda. “Sudhir created here a university that is affordable,” he noted. “But even beyond education, through initiatives like this eye camp, they are giving people a second chance in life.”
He revealed that the Ruparelia family has also played a significant role in supporting vulnerable students through scholarships.
“In our previous graduation last year, the Sudhir family offered more than 100 scholarships to vulnerable Ugandans who are bright,” Muganga said. “I personally don’t know what to say about this family. As Victoria University we are very appreciative and we pray that God continues to bless them.”
Health experts estimate that the Bukedea eye camp will screen over 2,000 patients, conduct hundreds of cataract surgeries, and provide spectacles and specialised treatment for patients suffering from preventable blindness.
The outreach is being organised in partnership with Mulago National Referral Hospital and C-Care, bringing together specialised eye care teams to expand access to treatment in rural communities.
For Muganga, the outreach demonstrates that Rajiv Ruparelia’s influence continues to impact communities across Uganda.
“To see Rajiv touching so many people even in his absence is something powerful,” he said. “And if even one child regains their sight, pursues education and eventually comes to the university, then that will be a legacy worth celebrating.”
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