Trekking miles for a Sudhir vision miracle in Bukedea

BUKEDEA - All roads led to Bukedea as hundreds flocked to the Medical School for the Rajiv Ruparelia Eye Camp, seeking free treatment, examinations, and spectacles.

Since March 27, 2026, elderly residents, youth, and children have walked for miles - many arriving on foot - creating unusual traffic along village paths. The turnout mirrored the bustling crowds typically seen only on weekly market days, locally known as Okison.

“Utukwi toto ka!” (“Wow!”) exclaimed one elderly woman, Jane Akello, during her eye examination. Overwhelmed with relief, she wondered aloud how she would ever have afforded the estimated sh500,000 needed for consultation and specialised spectacles in Mbale.

“God is great,” she said, visibly moved.

A medic administering to a eye patient during the health camp. (Courtesy Photos)

For the three days of the camp, in trading centres, groups gathered over ajon (millet beer) broke into song, remixing a popular Teso tune once revived by Afrigo Band in the 1990s.

The lyrics, now adapted in praise of the Ruparelia family, quickly gained traction across the community.

“Sudhir eyauni akonye ore” (Sudhir brings vision home) went the lyrics. In a striking show of appreciation, some newborns in the area are being named Sudhir, Rajiv, or Ruparelia.

This marks the fourth annual eye camp organised by the Sudhir Ruparelia Foundation, following earlier outreaches in Kampala City and Kamuli District. Each has drawn large numbers of patients in urgent need of eye care services.

Speaking earlier at the launch held at Kabira Country Club in Kampala, Speaker of Parliament Anita Annet Among described Sudhir Ruparelia as “a son of Teso,” applauding his continued support for the region. In a moment of reflection, she called for silence in honour of Rajiv Ruparelia, who passed away in a motor accident on March 3, 2025.

“We mourned with the Ruparelia family,” she said, “but we also celebrate Rajiv’s life and the many people he touched.”

Among also urged the Ministry of Health to take note of the high prevalence of eye conditions revealed during such camps, describing it as a pressing national concern requiring urgent attention.

Dr. Sudhir Ruparelia, meanwhile, emphasised that philanthropy is deeply rooted in both his personal values and cultural background. “In our tradition, what the right hand gives, the left should not know,” he said.

Reflecting on the outreach in Bukedea, he added: “We feel at home here - the air is fresh, the food is organic, and the people are happy.”