Bukedea health camp restores sight, strengthens blood reserve

BUKEDEA - The just-concluded three-day Ruparelia Foundation health camp at Bukedea Teaching Hospital has made a significant impact, collecting over 150 units of blood and delivering free eye care services to hundreds of patients.

The outreach, held from March 27 to 29, 2026, attracted a large number of beneficiaries from across Teso and neighbouring regions.

Regional blood supply boosted

Health officials say the blood donation exercise registered strong participation, significantly boosting supplies for critical patients.

Emily Ikiring, focal person at the Mbale Regional Blood Bank, described the exercise as highly successful.

The collected blood will be transported to the Mbale Regional Blood Bank to support pregnant mothers, children and accident victims, all at no cost.

Josephine Akello, a young donor from Ngora, encouraged the public to overcome fear and donate blood to save lives.

High turnout for eye care services

The camp also saw an overwhelming number of patients seeking free eye screening, treatment and surgery, exposing a growing eye health burden in Eastern Uganda.

According to Sheena Ruparelia, representing the Ruparelia Foundation, the outreach has delivered significant results:

Over 1,100 patients were screened. More than 400 reading glasses were distributed. A total of 88 adults were successfully operated on, 12 children underwent surgery, while over 220 patients are still awaiting procedures.

She attributed the success to the legacy of her late brother, Rajiv Ruparelia, known for his commitment to helping vulnerable communities.

Sheena Ruperelia, sister to the late Rajiv Ruparelia, at Bukedea Teaching Hospital, where the eye camp took place. (Credit: David Opus)

Lives transformed through surgery

For many families, the camp was life-changing.

Margaret Asio from Akibui-Aputon in Kumi district shared her relief after her 11-year-old son, Emmanuel Oumo, successfully underwent eye surgery.

She said her son previously struggled to see in class, often sitting close to the blackboard to read.

Leaders applaud initiative

Bukedea County MP-elect David Beckham Okwere expressed deep gratitude to the Ruparelia family, even going down on his knees in appreciation for their support of vulnerable communities.

He called for continued partnership to expand such humanitarian interventions in the region.

A legacy of giving

The health camp, organised by the Ruparelia Foundation, honours the legacy of Rajiv Ruparelia, whose life was marked by generosity and service to those in need.

The initiative not only restores sight and saves lives but also highlights the urgent need for expanded healthcare services in eastern Uganda.