MP Dr. Elisa Rutahirwa Launches Three-Day Free Health Camp in Rukungiri Municipality.

Rukungiri: The Member of Parliament for Rukungiri Municipality, Dr. Elisa Rutahirwa, also known as Omuturagye, in partnership with Rukobarwomunda for Community Mobilization and Development (RUCOMODE), has launched a three-day health camp in Rukungiri Municipality.

The campaign officially kicked off on November 13, at Rukungiri Health Center IV commonly known as Rwamawa and will run until on November 15.

This health camp focuses on screening and treating Tuberculosis (TB) and various cancers, particularly breast and cervical cancer in women, and prostate cancer in men. Speaking to our reporter, Dr. Rutahirwa noted that these diseases are common and expensive to manage, which inspired him to organize the camp with support from the Ministry of Health. The ministry provided advanced screening equipment for the camp.

Dr. Rutahirwa urged the public to avoid self-medication, which he described as dangerous, and encouraged them to seek professional medical services at nearby health facilities. He called on people from across Rukungiri District and beyond to visit Rukungiri Health Center IV for free screenings and medication.

The coordinator for RUCOMODE, Moses Tumwine, explained that the organization chose Rukungiri for this initiative due to its high TB prevalence. He revealed that the camp aims to serve between 8,000 to 10,000 people. This annual health camp will become a signature project for RUCOMODE in the municipality.

Dr. Cornelius Musinguzi praised Dr. Rutahirwa for bringing the health camp to Rukungiri, highlighting its significance in the fight against TB. He emphasized that the government’s target is to eliminate TB cases in Uganda by 2030. According to Musinguzi, Rukungiri District reports around 740 to 760 TB cases annually, with high incidence rates in Rwambara, Nyakagyeme, Nyarushanje, and Nyakishenyi sub-counties.

Cancer screenings will commence on November 14, with a focus on prostate, cervical and breast cancer. 

Beneficiaries like Jambo Tindimwebwa from Kagarama, Nyakagyeme Sub-county, and Silvia Muhumuza from Kanyinya, Southern Division, expressed gratitude to Dr. Rutahirwa for providing these essential services. They shared that the money saved from medical expenses can now be invested in other income-generating activities for their families.