“We’re Offering Full Package With Comprehensive Care”-Sheena, Dr Muganga Praise Huge Turnout At RR Eye Camp

By Frank Kamuntu 

The ongoing RR Eye Camp has gained momentum as thousands of patients continue to flock Bukedea Teaching Hospital Grounds in Bukedea District to receive free eye care services. The initiative, organized by the Ruparelia Group in memory of the late Rajiv Ruparelia, has not only drawn overwhelming numbers but also attracted strong praise from organizers, partners, and local leaders who addressed the media on its progress and impact.

Delivering detailed remarks, Sheena Ruparelia on behalf of Ruparelia Foundation described this year’s camp as a major milestone in the evolution of the initiative. “We’ve arranged an eye camp to screen individuals for cataracts, for general eye issues, as well as for prescription and reading glasses,” she said. She emphasized that this fourth edition goes beyond previous ones, noting, “This eye camp is a bit more special than the ones that we’ve done previously. It’s actually our fourth eye camp, and this year we’ve introduced not only surgeries for children, but also prescription glasses for children.” She explained the added complexity involved, stating that children’s prescriptions must be individually processed in Kampala. “It’s a big milestone for us, because we have to actually physically send the glasses back to Kampala to individualize their prescriptions for each individual child.”

According to organizers this camp has costed over Ugx2 billion including the most expensive surgeries, glasses and other much needed medical services.

Sheena stressed that the initiative was intentionally designed to provide complete solutions rather than partial interventions. “Most screening camps in Uganda usually just screen patients and allow them to find their own way for treatment. For us, this is a problem. We are here to provide solutions,” she said. She revealed that the foundation deployed a team of 15 Ugandan doctors, including surgeons, with full equipment and medication to ensure on-site treatment. Providing updates, she noted, “We were expecting to screen about 4,000 people, but we’re overwhelmed by the attendance. So far, we estimate there are about 2,000 people waiting, we have registered 300, completed 10 surgeries, two of them children, and we have 30 more waiting.” She added that dozens of patients had already been prescribed glasses, while a blood donation drive held alongside the camp had collected 45 units. She also expressed gratitude to partners including Mulago Hospital, C-Care, Bukedea Teaching Hospital, Anita Foundation, and Victoria University.

Reflecting on the origins of the outreach, Sheena highlighted the family legacy behind the initiative. “This eye camp was started by our parents. This is the fourth eye camp. They once told me about a 90-year-old woman who had not seen for over 10 or 15 years, who came to one of the camps and walked out seeing. That is the reason we continue to do this,” she said. She described the current edition as a deliberate tribute. “With the tribute to Rajiv, who was larger than life, we decided this camp would be bigger, with more services. Rajiv would always go beyond the norms, and that is why we are here today.”

Also addressing the media, Victoria University Vice Chancellor Dr Lawrence Muganga shared a personal account reflecting Rajiv Ruparelia’s generosity.

Muganga praised the structure of the camp, noting that it provides comprehensive care. “You are not just screened and sent away. You receive treatment, surgery, glasses, and even aftercare. That is something very important,” he said. He also highlighted the overwhelming turnout and the role of volunteers, including students from Victoria University. “We expected about 4,000 to 5,000 people, but the numbers we are seeing are very high. Volunteers are over 100, though still not enough. But they are committed, and I am confident the job will be done.” He added that similar initiatives are expected to be extended to other parts of the country.

Bukedea MP-elect Beecham Okwere David described the initiative as transformative for the region and beyond. “This is heart touching and it is giving a second life to people who have not been able to see well,” he said, pointing out the high cost of eye treatment, which remains unaffordable for many. “Even if someone sold all their property, they might not afford such treatment. But what has been done here is something we must deeply appreciate.”

He commended the Ruparelia family for extending the outreach to eastern Uganda, noting its growing national and regional reach. “This is no longer just about Bukedea or Teso. People have come from Mbale, from Gulu, and even across the border from Kenya. This is now a national camp,” he said. Speaking on behalf of local leadership and the wider community, he added, “We say thank you very much. In our tradition, we kneel to show gratitude for such a gesture. We will continue working together with the Ruparelia Foundation to improve the lives of our people.”

As the camp continues, its combination of large turnout, expanded services, and deeply personal tributes has positioned it as both a critical healthcare intervention and a continuation of Rajiv Ruparelia’s enduring legacy of compassion and service.