Hope as hundreds benefit from free medical camp in Bugweri

Hamida Kagoya, 80, a resident of Bugweri district's Busesa sub-county, has, for over a month, lived with persistent body ache, especially in her back, without knowing the cause and with no money to seek treatment, she endured the discomfort in silence.

“Sometimes I cannot even sit properly. The pain from my back is too much,” she says softly.

Although Bugweri has government health facilities, Kagoya says access to medicine remains a challenge. Patients are often examined but asked to purchase drugs from private clinics, an option far beyond her means. 

However, January 24, 2026, was when Kagoya afforded a smile. Like many others, she came to the medical camp praying that a kind hand would finally ease her suffering.

She was among the hundred of Bugweri district residents who turned up at Busesa Mixed Primary School in Busesa sub-county with quiet hope for a chance to access free medical care.

Kagoya was one of the many beneficiaries of a free medical camp organised by the Rotary Club of Kampala South.

Like Kagoya, Rukia Mutesi, 63, a mother of four from the same sub-county, waited patiently for eye care services. For two years, she had lived with constant eye pain.

A visit to a hospital in neighbouring Iganga district brought little relief only a recommendation to buy spectacles she could not afford.

“The pain never stopped. Sometimes I would scratch my eyes because of the discomfort, and it only made things worse,” she said, her voice heavy with emotion.

At the camp, specialists examined her eyes and provided her with free spectacles. Overwhelmed with joy, Mutesi danced with relief, knowing that her vision and her independence had been restored.

“I never imagined this could happen,” she said, smiling. “I was told it would cost over a million shillings. I had no hope of ever getting that money.”

Many residents who spoke to New Vision Online said the rising cost of living has made it nearly impossible to seek medical care when they fall ill, leaving free camps like this one as their only lifeline.

According to Emmanuel Mukwenda Mugisha, the project co-ordinator of Kampala South Rotary Club, over 1,500 people attended the camp.

Recognising the link between poverty and poor health, organisers also provided basic financial literacy training to help families better manage their limited resources. (Credit: Ibrahim Ruhweza)

He noted that the overwhelming turnout highlights a deeper problem limited access to quality healthcare in government facilities.

“This number shows how desperate people are for medical attention. Healthcare should be available every day, not only when organizations organise such events.”

The medical camp, supported by a Rotary Global Grant, focused primarily on maternal and child health, while also offering immunisation, dental services, eye care, cancer screening and general medical consultations.

Free sanitary pads

In addition, 400 women received free sanitary pads, and girls were trained on how to make reusable pads to promote menstrual hygiene. 

Recognising the link between poverty and poor health, organisers also provided basic financial literacy training to help families better manage their limited resources.

Expectant mothers were not left out. A total of 500 mama kits were distributed to promote safe deliveries and reduce maternal risks.

Geofrey Martin Kitakule, the district governor  9213, 2025-26, said what they did was a complementary to what the government is doing to reach all people with free medical services.

He described the overwhelming number as an urgent need for the public to be looked after.

According to Mukwenda for the last three medical camps they have had in three years, at least 250,000 people have been given free medical attention, a contributing factor to the well-being of everyone.