Kamuli, Uganda: Over 150 residents from Kamuli Municipality and surrounding areas have received free ear treatment during a two-day medical outreach organised by Uganda Development Service (UDS) in partnership with Hear His Voice Uganda, targeting hearing loss and related conditions.
The camp, held at Maria’s Care School for the Deaf, brought together medical experts to screen, treat, and counsel patients suffering from various hearing complications, many of which organisers say are preventable.
Ms Rita Epodoi, the Executive Director of UDS, said the initiative was prompted by the growing burden of hearing loss in the Busoga sub-region, often linked to avoidable practices.
“Many people in Busoga suffer from hearing loss due to preventable causes,” Epodoi said. “Malaria treatment and the use of sharp objects to clean ears are major contributors, while some cases are congenital. We urge parents to be vigilant and seek medical attention whenever they notice hearing difficulties in children.”
She further cautioned against excessive use of earphones, warning that prolonged exposure could lead to ear infections and long-term hearing damage.
Ms Nassozi Esther, a sign language interpreter and teacher of the deaf, highlighted the widespread nature of hearing challenges in the region, describing it as a growing public health concern.
“There are rampant challenges of deafness in Busoga. We call upon parents to act early and seek medical support before conditions worsen,” she said, urging communities to prioritise regular ear check-ups and proper hygiene practices.
Beneficiaries expressed gratitude for the free services, with many saying the camp had transformed their daily lives. “I’ve been struggling to hear for a long time, but thanks to this camp, I can now hear clearly,” said 12-year-old Nahalamba Sarah, one of the youngest beneficiaries.
John Kantu, a 30-year-old farmer, also praised the initiative, noting that access to specialised ear care is often limited and costly in rural areas.
“I’m grateful for the free treatment and the advice given to us. Many people here cannot afford such services,” he said.
Organisers revealed plans to scale up similar outreach programmes across Busoga and other underserved regions, as part of efforts to reduce preventable hearing loss and improve access to specialised healthcare services.
If you would like your article/opinion to be published on Uganda’s most authoritative news platform, send your submission on: [email protected]. You can also follow DailyExpress on WhatsApp and on Twitter (X) for realtime updates.
