By Frank Kamuntu
The Vice Chancellor of Victoria University – Kampala, Prof. Lawrence Muganga, has delivered an emotional tribute to the late Rajiv Ruparelia, saying the humanitarian impact of the upcoming RR Eye Camp Bukedea proves that Rajiv’s legacy continues to change lives even after his passing.
Speaking during the official launch of the eye camp at Kabira Country Club, Prof Muganga described the initiative as the kind of project Rajiv himself would have been proud to witness.
“These are the things Rajiv would have loved to see,” Muganga said. “Who knows, tomorrow the child who cannot see today might become one of our students.”
The eye camp, organized by the Ruparelia Foundation, will take place from March 27 to March 29 at Bukedea Teaching Hospital in Bukedea District. The outreach is expected to screen at least 2,000 patients and conduct hundreds of eye surgeries for people suffering from preventable blindness across the Teso Sub-Region.
For Muganga, the medical outreach represents more than healthcare. He said it represents the restoration of opportunity, particularly for children whose futures could be transformed through improved eyesight.
“If that child receives treatment today and regains their sight, in one or two years they may come to us as students,” he said. “Education begins with the ability to see the world clearly.”
He emphasized that vision is fundamental to every aspect of human development, including education.
“Someone asked why the eyes are so important,” Muganga explained. “But you need the eyes to carry the heart somewhere. You need the eyes to guide your legs and to direct everything you do. Without sight, many opportunities become unreachable.”
For children especially, he said, the ability to see clearly is often the difference between pursuing education and being left behind. “So if a child is going to pursue education, they need their eyes,” he said. “This camp is giving people that chance.”
Muganga said the initiative is another example of the long-standing commitment of businessman Sudhir Ruparelia and his family to transforming lives through both education and community support.
He praised the Ruparelia family for their continued investment in education and healthcare in Uganda, noting that their initiatives continue to open doors for many young Ugandans.
“Sudhir created here a university that is affordable,” Muganga said, referring to Victoria University. “But even beyond education, through initiatives like this eye camp, they are giving people a second chance in life.”
The Vice Chancellor also revealed the strong connection between the university and communities in Eastern Uganda, particularly in the health sector.
According to Muganga, a large number of health workers studying at Victoria University come from Eastern Uganda, including Bukedea and surrounding districts. “If you look at the students from Eastern Uganda, especially nurses, we have about 473,” he said. “Most of them are upgrading from registered nurses to degree holders.”
He added that the Ruparelia family has also played a major role in supporting vulnerable but bright students through scholarship opportunities.
“During our graduation ceremony, last year, the Sudhir family offered 100 scholarships to vulnerable Ugandans who are bright,” Muganga revealed adding;
“I personally don’t know what to say about this family. As Victoria University we are very appreciative and we pray that God continues to bless them.”
Muganga also announced that Victoria University will play a direct role in the Bukedea eye camp by deploying a large team of health sciences students to support the medical operations.
He revealed that the university will send 80 nurses, midwives and pharmacy students to participate in the camp.
“The people who will be doing the checkups, the people assisting in surgeries, dispensing medicine and supporting patients will include our students,” he explained. These are nurses and health sciences students from Victoria University who will be working alongside the medical teams.”
According to Muganga, the involvement of students will not only strengthen the success of the camp but will also provide them with valuable practical experience.
“Through this initiative we are impacting society, but we are also empowering our students,” he said. “They benefit from the practical exposure that prepares them to serve communities better in the future.”
He emphasized that partnerships between education institutions and humanitarian initiatives are essential for building a stronger healthcare system. “This is why we are standing with the Ruparelia Group in this good cause,” he said.
For Muganga, the most powerful message of the eye camp is that Rajiv Ruparelia’s influence continues to reach thousands of lives across Uganda.
“To see Rajiv touching so many people even in his absence is something powerful,” he said. “And if even one child regains their sight, pursues education and eventually comes to the university, then that will be a legacy worth celebrating.”
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