Over 1,200 Turn Up on First Day of Two-Day Free Eye Treatment Camp in Rukungiri

Rukungiri: More than 1,200 people turned up on the first day of a free eye treatment camp launched at Rukungiri Health Centre IV, commonly known as Rwamahwa, in Rukungiri Municipality.

The two-day medical camp, which started today, November 13, was launched by the Minister of Gender, Labour and Social Development and Rukungiri Municipality MP, Hon. Gen. Henry Tumukunde, in partnership with the Rukungiri District Woman Member of Parliament, Hon. Mary Paula Kebirungi Turyahikayo.

The medical outreach is being conducted in partnership with Overseas Pakistanis Global Africa, an organisation from Pakistan, through its local health partner, One Ummah Uganda.

The initiative aims to provide free eye care services to residents of Rukungiri and neighbouring districts. Beneficiaries are receiving free eye examinations, treatment, surgery and spectacles. The camp is also providing free tuberculosis screening and treatment services.

Speaking during the launch, Hon. Mary Paula Turyahikayo, who also represented Minister Tumukunde, encouraged community members to prioritise their health by eating a balanced diet and seeking medical attention regularly, even before developing serious illnesses.

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Dr. Haruna Mubiru, a representative of the organisation, said specialised eye treatment can cost patients between UGX 4 million and UGX 6 million, making the free medical services a major relief to people who cannot afford such expenses.

Dr. Mubiru further revealed that the medical team plans to return to Rukungiri in January next year with additional experienced doctors from Pakistan to conduct more specialised surgical operations.

Rukungiri Municipality Mayor Boaz Kansiime Matiita and the Municipal Health Officer, Dr. Davis Ahabwe, said the large turnout on the first day demonstrated the community’s need for such medical services.

Some of the beneficiaries, including Gloria Kamahe from Mitooma District, Fred Gashikire from Kitimba in Rukungiri Municipality, Immaculate Nduhukire, and Claire Mboreka from Buhunga Sub-county, said they had travelled long distances to access the services.

They expressed gratitude to the organisers, saying they had received the medical attention they needed.

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