Free paediatric surgical camp to benefit 300 children in Karamoja

KARAMOJA - A dedicated team of healthcare professionals, including doctors, surgeons and nurses, has launched a seven-day paediatric surgical camp aimed at providing free medical care for over 300 children under 18 years in the Karamoja sub-region.

This first-of-its-kind camp is organised by Amigos Internacionales in collaboration with healthcare workers from the Ministry of Health, Mbarara University of Science and Technology, Doctors on Mission International, BethanyKids, Mwagale Foundation and South Baptist Missionaries. The camp, which got underway on April 12, 2026, at St Kizito Hospital Matany in Napak district, will conclude on Saturday, April 18.

The camp offers essential services for children aged 0–18, focusing on paediatric general surgery, ear, nose and throat (ENT) cases, as well as plastic surgery services.

Under paediatric general surgery, the team will address several critical conditions, including hernias, undescended testis, Hirschsprung’s disease, anorectal malformations, soft tissue masses and hypospadias.

The paediatric ENT segment includes procedures such as adenotonsillectomy, cleft palate and cleft lip repair, and excisions of various neck masses, helping children breathe, swallow, pass urine and stool effectively.

Additionally, the medical team will perform surgeries for children with closed alimentary canals (incomplete digestive systems), long bone conditions, dental problems and chronic wounds.

Patients getting free treatment at a medical camp at Matany Church on Monday. Credit: Delux Emmy Alomu)

There will also be reconstructive surgery for children with burns and other conditions requiring plastic surgery, alongside paediatric orthopaedic expertise for those born with mobility challenges.

According to officials from Amigos Internacionales, the camp continues last year’s commitment to expand paediatric surgical outreach beyond its usual areas of operation in south-western Uganda and northern Uganda (Arua) to include underserved regions such as Karamoja.

Dr Paul Mulyamboga, the director of medical services at Amigos Internacionales and team leader for Doctors on Mission International, said Karamoja was selected for the intervention due to a significant lack of paediatric surgical services compared to other regions.

To ensure the success of the camp, Dr Mulyamboga said the team is also conducting a community medical outreach at the nearby Pentecostal Assemblies of God (PAG) church in Matany.

The outreach will include general medical consultations, disease screening, surgical and paediatric consultations, as well as services for diabetes, hypertension, dental and eye care.

Dr Deusdedit Kateregga, the medical superintendent at St Kizito Hospital Matany, highlighted the substantial unmet need for surgical interventions in the area, citing financial constraints, lack of expertise and limited resources.

He said the hospital often struggles with complicated cases, especially among children, referring nearly 15 to 20 cases monthly due to the inability to conduct all necessary surgeries at the facility.

Medics that are conducting the free medical camp and pediatric surgery in Napak district. (Credit: Delux Emmy Alomu)

The medical superintendent also highlighted less frequent but serious surgeries, such as those involving digestive complications and cleft lip conditions, noting that they typically receive about two cases of each per quarter.

Patrick Kibwota, the country operations director for Amigos Internacionales, said the initiative is a pioneering effort in Karamoja, with hopes of making it a regular programme in future.

Ambrose Besigye, the human resource manager and administrator for BethanyKids Uganda, said the NGO aims to improve access to paediatric care across Africa through a comprehensive approach that strengthens existing health facilities.

Dr Denis Oluka, a general surgeon at Mbarara Regional Referral Hospital, noted that the mission will particularly benefit patients unable to travel long distances for surgical care.

Fr Manuel Inacio MCCJ of St Kizito Catholic Parish Matany expressed gratitude for the support, saying he believes divine intervention has helped bring the partners together to improve health services in the community amid ongoing prayers for better care.

Madelena Losike, an elderly beneficiary, said she was relieved to receive free medical treatment for body pain, noting that she could not afford care due to financial constraints.

Hellen Rose Alupo, a resident of Napepelu village in Napak, said she appreciated the free services she received for eye and stomach problems.

She highlighted the value of the free spectacles she received, which would have cost her sh250,000.

Alupo urged the partners to return and address more severe health challenges, particularly chronic back problems in the region.

Amigos Internacionales is a humanitarian and development organisation that has been serving communities since 1967.
Originally launched as a mobile dental unit near the Mexico border, it has since evolved to focus on meeting human needs and spreading the message of Jesus to people in need.