A transformative wave of hope continues to sweep across eastern Uganda as the free eye care camp organized by the Ruparelia Foundation enters its fifth day today (Tuesday) at Bukedea Teaching Hospital, with organizers confirming it will conclude tomorrow, Wednesday, following an extension prompted by overwhelming turnout.
The camp, which officially commenced last Friday, was initially designed as a three-day outreach but quickly exceeded expectations as thousands of patients flocked to the facility from Bukedea, the Teso sub-region, and beyond in search of specialized eye care services.
Organizers had projected to reach between 2,000 and 5,000 beneficiaries, conduct about 300 cataract surgeries, and distribute hundreds of corrective glasses. However, demand surged beyond projections, with over 3,000 people already receiving treatment as the camp progressed. The initiative, valued at approximately Shs 1.7 billion, has provided completely free services, yet a single eye surgery would ordinarily cost up to Shs5 million, placing it out of reach for many Ugandans.
Speaking as host and representative of the Guest of Honor, David Beecham Okwere, Bukedea County MP-elect, delivered a message of gratitude while representing Rt. Hon Anita Among Annet, the Speaker of Parliament of Uganda.
“I applaud Dr. Sudhir Ruparelia’s family and the Indian community for this great gesture that has enabled thousands to regain their sight free of charge. This is a costly intervention that many of our people cannot afford, with one eye operation costing up to five million shillings,” Okwere noted.
He emphasized the need for leadership that prioritizes community welfare, “This is the kind of work that leaders across other districts must emulate. The example set by Rt. Hon. Anita Among shows what it means to ensure communities are fully taken care of, not only in health but also in education and other essential services.”
Okwere reaffirmed his commitment to sustaining such partnerships, “I pledge to continue working closely with Rt. Hon. Anita Among and other well-wishers to support initiatives like this that are transforming lives in Bukedea, Teso, and Uganda as a whole.”
Speaking on behalf of the foundation, Sheena Ruparelia, daughter of businessman Sudhir Ruparelia, attributed the success of the camp to strong collaboration between partners, sponsors, and leadership.
“The success of this camp is a result of strong partnerships, including the support from Rt. Hon. Anita Among and many other stakeholders who came together for a common cause,” she said.
She commended the community for the overwhelming turnout and reaffirmed the foundation’s long-term commitment, “We are truly humbled by the response from the people of Bukedea and surrounding areas. As Ruparelia Foundation, we are not stopping here, we will continue supporting Ugandans in different sectors including health and education.”
She later shared highlights and statistics of the camp, showcasing its wide-reaching impact and underscoring the urgent need for accessible specialized healthcare services.
As the camp heads into its final day tomorrow, its legacy is already evident in the thousands of lives touched, the hundreds of surgeries performed, and the renewed hope among communities that had long been underserved.
