Bukedea, Uganda: Thousands of patients thronged Bukedea Teaching Hospital grounds on Friday as the Rajiv Ruparelia (RR) Memorial Free Eye Camp officially kicked off, marking a powerful start to one of Uganda’s largest free eye care outreaches.
The camp, organised by the Ruparelia Foundation in memory of the late businessman and philanthropist Rajiv Ruparelia, drew an overwhelming turnout from across eastern Uganda and beyond, with beneficiaries seeking free screening, surgeries, and prescription glasses.
While opening the camp at around midday, Sheena Ruparelia, a sister to Rajiv and daughter to businessman Dr Sudhir Ruparelia, described the fourth edition of the camp as a major milestone, noting expanded services and deeper impact compared to previous years. “We’ve arranged an eye camp to screen individuals for cataracts, general eye issues, as well as provide prescription and reading glasses,” she said.
She revealed that this year’s edition introduces specialised services for children, including surgeries and customised prescription glasses.
“This eye camp is more special than the ones we’ve done previously. We now have surgeries for children and prescription glasses tailored for them. These have to be processed individually in Kampala,” she explained.
From screening to full treatment
Sheena emphasised that the camp is designed to go beyond basic screening by offering complete treatment solutions on-site. “Most camps in Uganda screen patients and leave them to find treatment. For us, that is not enough. We are here to provide solutions,” she said.
A team of 15 Ugandan doctors, including specialised surgeons, has been deployed with full medical equipment to handle procedures at the camp.
By the end of Day One, organisers reported that over 1000 patients had been registered, 10 surgeries had been successfully conducted, two of them on children, and at least 30 more lined up for operations. Dozens of patients had already received prescriptions for glasses.
In addition, a blood donation drive held alongside the camp collected 45 units.
A legacy of compassion
Reflecting on the origins of the outreach, Sheena highlighted the family’s long-standing commitment to community health. “This eye camp was started by our parents. We once saw a 90-year-old woman regain her sight after more than a decade. That is why we continue doing this,” she said.
She described the current edition as a tribute to his brother Rajiv Ruparelia’s legacy. “Rajiv was larger than life and always went beyond the norm. This camp had to be bigger, with more services, to reflect who he was.”
Victoria University Vice Chancellor Dr Lawrence Muganga praised both the impact and structure of the camp, noting its comprehensive approach to care. “You are not just screened and sent away. You receive treatment, surgery, glasses, and even aftercare. That is what makes this initiative unique,” Muganga said.
He also highlighted the contribution of over 100 volunteers, including university students, despite the turnout exceeding expectations.
Bukedea MP-elect Beecham Okwere David described the outreach as life-changing, particularly given the high cost of specialised eye treatment. “This is giving a second life to people who could not afford care. Even selling all their property might not cover such treatment,” he said.
He noted that the camp has attracted patients from districts such as Mbale and Gulu, as well as neighbouring Kenya. “This is no longer just a Bukedea or Teso initiative. It has become a national camp,” he added.
As the outreach continues through the weekend, its scale, expanded services, and emotional significance have cemented its place as both a critical healthcare intervention and a living tribute to Rajiv Ruparelia’s enduring legacy.
According to organisers, the initiative has cost over UGX 2 billion, covering surgeries, medication, logistics, and optical services to be offered out at no cost over the three days. This has all been made possible with the generous support from Mulago National Referral Hospital, C-Care, Bukedea Teaching Hospital, Anita Foundation, and Victoria University.
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