Kamuli, Uganda: Thousands of patients turned up at Kabukye Trust Brightlife Medical Center in Kamuli for a free medical camp organised by Rotary Club of Kasubi, prompting renewed calls for expanded healthcare access and community-based interventions.
The overwhelming turnout, despite ongoing rains and the farming season, highlighted the growing disease burden and limited access to healthcare services in rural communities.
Kabukye Trust Foundation CEO Allan Kiwanuka said the response underscores the urgent need to rethink Uganda’s healthcare delivery systems.
“The numbers we have seen here show the level of unmet need in our communities. We must revisit our strategies to ensure healthcare is accessible, trusted, and responsive,” Kiwanuka said.
Kiwanuka urged government and healthcare providers to adopt community-based approaches, backed by data integration and specialist support, to improve service uptake.
He emphasised the importance of addressing stigma, strengthening referral systems, and ensuring continuity of care, particularly for chronic conditions.
“Kabukye Trust is now deepening focus on long-term conditions such as Type 1 diabetes, sickle cell disease, and leprosy to ensure no patient is lost to care,” he noted.
He added that the foundation plans to expand its community health hubs to districts including Mayuge, Arua, Buyende, Kaliro, and Luuka.
Arthur Bagenze, President of the Rotary Club of Kasubi, said the initiative aligns with Rotary’s global focus on disease prevention and treatment.
“We are challenged by the healthcare needs in these communities. It calls for organisations and government to leave their comfort zones and directly engage with the people,” Bagenze said.
He advocated for increased outreach programmes to promote preventive healthcare over curative approaches.
The medical camp offered screening and treatment services for conditions including diabetes, hypertension, sickle cell disease, leprosy, eye conditions, and HIV/AIDS.
Health advocates also used the platform to raise awareness about mental health and autism spectrum disorders, which they described as under-recognised but increasingly prevalent.
One of the beneficiaries, Betty Namulondo, said the outreach brought services closer to communities that often struggle to access specialised care.
“I have been struggling silently with my daughter’s illness, but today we have found answers. These services being here in Kabukye have reduced the cost and burden,” she said.
The outreach was supported by partners including Splendor Charities, Nicosam Health Care Ltd, Vermillion, Pepsi, Centenary Bank Kamuli, and Rotary Clubs of Kasubi and Manyagwa.
Leaders say such collaborations will be critical in bridging healthcare gaps and improving outcomes in underserved areas.
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