BUKEDEA, UGANDA: Thousands of residents from Bukedea and surrounding districts on Friday thronged Bukedea Teaching Hospital grounds for a free eye medical camp organised by the Ruparelia Group in honour of the late businessman and philanthropist, Rajiv Ruparelia.
The outreach, spearheaded by the Ruparelia Foundation, a philanthropic arm of the Ruparelia Group, drew overwhelming numbers of patients seeking free eye screening, treatment, medication, and specialised referrals.
Despite the early morning drizzles, long queues formed at the venue as elderly residents, children, and vulnerable groups turned up in large numbers—many travelling long distances in search of affordable eye care services that are often out of reach in rural settings.
Medical teams comprising ophthalmologists, nurses, and support staff were deployed across multiple service points to handle the high patient load, offering diagnosis, treatment, and referrals for advanced care where necessary.
Organisers said the initiative is part of a broader mission to extend essential healthcare services to underserved communities while preserving Rajiv Ruparelia’s enduring legacy of philanthropy and social impact.
Rajiv, who died on May 03, 2025, in a tragic motor crash along the Entebbe Expressway at the age of 35, was widely recognised for his commitment to community empowerment, particularly in the areas of health and education.
His legacy continues to shape impactful outreach programmes across the country, with the Bukedea eye camp emerging as one of the most significant in recent months.
Local leaders and residents welcomed the initiative, describing it as both timely and transformative, especially for communities where access to specialised medical care remains limited.
“This is a very important intervention. Many of our people cannot afford eye treatment, and this camp has come at the right time,” one local leader noted.
Residents, mostly elders, echoed similar sentiments, with many expressing relief at finally receiving professional medical attention.
“I have had eye problems for a long time but could not afford treatment. Today I have been checked and given medicine. I am very grateful,” said Esther Chebet, a beneficiary.
Health officials at the camp noted that a significant number of patients presented with untreated eye conditions, highlighting the urgent need for continued medical outreaches in rural areas.
The massive turnout also reflected the deep connection communities continue to have with Rajiv Ruparelia’s philanthropic work, with many describing the initiative as a continuation of his vision to uplift lives.
The RR Eye Camp will run throughout the weekend, with hundreds already treated and many more expected to benefit before its conclusion on Sunday, March 29, 2026.
The initiative forms part of ongoing efforts by the Ruparelia Group to strengthen community wellbeing through targeted interventions in healthcare, education, and social development.
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