Over 4,300 benefit from Bombo Medical Mission

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More than 4,300 vulnerable people benefited from the 15th Annual Bombo Medical Mission, where over 8,700 medical cases were diagnosed and treated during the six-day community health camp in Bombo, which ended on Sunday, August 31st.

The camp attracted people not only from Uganda but also from Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) who travelled to meet highly qualified doctors such as Ear Nose and Throat specialists, neurosurgeons, paediatricians and gynaecologists.

Speaking to New Vision on Friday, Dr. Proscovia Mugaba, Chairperson of the Uganda Christian Medical Fellowship, said the mission was a great success, bringing together a wide range of healthcare professionals under the Pentecostal Assemblies of God (PAG) Church in Bombo.

“We worked with surgeons, paediatricians, obstetricians, nurses, and other specialists who dedicated their time to serve the community. This year, we have treated people with various medical, surgical, and mental health conditions, and the turnout was remarkable,” Dr. Mugaba noted.

The camp attracted people not only from Uganda but also from Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). (Photo By Aloysious Kasoma)

One of the mission’s key highlights was the introduction of real-time laboratory testing, which significantly improved the quality of care. “We managed to run a wide range of lab tests on-site using advanced technology. This enabled us to make quick diagnoses and optimise treatments,” she explained.

Surgical services also stood out, with teams handling an average of 10 to 15 surgeries daily, all completed safely with successful recoveries. Dental care was another critical component, offering treatments to children, young adults, and the elderly, many of whom could not ordinarily afford such services.

According to Dr. Mugaba, the Bombo Mission went beyond clinical care to address holistic health needs.

“We provided physical, mental, pharmaceutical, and spiritual support. Families were educated on how to care for one another, and patients received holistic attention that many had never experienced before,” she emphasised.

The 2025 edition also served as a mentorship platform, with senior specialists training young graduates and medical students.

“We believe many healthcare ambassadors were groomed during this mission. Their impact will spread beyond Bombo to communities across Uganda,” she added.

The fellowship partnered with Mengo Hospital and Agarwal Hospital to run a specialised eye clinic that offered sight assessments, glaucoma treatment, and prescription glasses.

Other teams included paediatrics, dental, surgical, obstetrics, and radiology units, each comprising 8 to 15 members. A 15-member radiology team provided ultrasound and imaging services, while cardiologists, neurologists, psychologists, and mental health professionals worked alongside general practitioners to maximise impact.

Operating theatres were fully functional, staffed with anaesthetists, surgeons, recovery nurses, and support teams. Pharmacists and pharmacy technicians also ensured patients accessed the prescribed medicines and treatments.

Grateful for the overwhelming community response, Dr. Proscovia said the turnout reflected the mission’s growing importance.

“It is clear this community looks forward to the medical mission every year. We are thankful to all the teams that came, the local community that embraced us, and our partners who made it possible. We look forward to serving again next year—and expanding to other communities,” she concluded.

Ivan Sekibaala, Chairperson of the Organising Committee, reflected on the humble beginnings of the initiative, which was first launched under the leadership of Bishop Alex and Milly Ojera.

“The first camp in 2008 was a modest effort, mainly treating malaria and coughs. Over the years, the camp has evolved. Today, we are even handling gynaecological surgeries at Kalagala Health Centre IV, thanks to specialists like Dr. Joel Okelokita who freely give their time and expertise,” Sekibaala said.

Sekibaala said that by Thursday, the camp had registered 3,712 patients, resulting in more than 7,000 medical cases, since many people presented with multiple conditions. Services ranged from paediatrics, gynaecology, orthopaedics, eye care, and dental treatment to nutrition consultations.

Sekibaala credited the success of the camp to long-standing partnerships.

“We are grateful to institutions like Kiwoko Hospital, Mengo Eye and Dental Clinics, New Jerusalem School of Nursing, Greater Ministries, and Mulago Paramedics. They have walked with us since 2008 to ensure people are cared for,” he noted.

He also acknowledged the support of Peninsula Community Church in California, describing it as the mission’s largest financial supporter, alongside contributions from PAG Bombo members.

Highlighting some of the red-flag cases discovered this year, Sekibaala pointed out critical neurosurgical needs and complex gynaecological conditions affecting women’s reproductive health.

On whether the camp could be extended beyond Bombo, Sekibaala admitted there are limitations. “We once thought of taking it to Nakasongola, but facilities like theatres and laboratories are lacking. For now, Bombo remains the most suitable base,” he said.