The Rajiv Ruparelia Memorial Free Eye Camp registered a powerful and impactful start on its first day in Bukedea District, drawing thousands of patients seeking free eye care services at Bukedea Teaching Hospital. The three-day outreach, organized by the Ruparelia Foundation in memory of the late businessman Rajiv Ruparelia, officially commenced on March 27, 2026, with overwhelming public response.
Rajiv Ruparelia Memorial Free Eye Camp
By the close of Day One, over 1,000 patients had already been registered and attended to, with at least 10 successful surgeries conducted, including two involving children. Medical teams also prepared more than 30 additional patients for surgical procedures, while dozens received prescriptions for corrective glasses.
The camp provides a comprehensive package of services including screening for cataracts and other eye conditions, surgical interventions, medication, and distribution of prescription and reading glasses—all at no cost to beneficiaries. Unlike many medical outreaches that focus only on diagnosis, this initiative ensures full treatment and follow-up care on-site. 
The outreach is supported by a team of at least 15 Ugandan doctors and over 100 volunteers, including students, who are actively involved in patient care and logistical coordination. The initiative also incorporates a blood donation drive, which collected 45 units on the first day alone.
The scale of attendance reflects a wider public health concern, as eye conditions such as cataracts remain a leading cause of preventable blindness in Uganda. Many patients cannot afford treatment, with surgeries in private facilities ranging between UGX 3 million and UGX 15 million, making free interventions such as this camp critical.
Organizers estimate the total cost of the outreach at over UGX 2 billion, covering surgeries, medication, logistics, and optical services. The initiative is supported by partners including Mulago National Referral Hospital, C-Care, Bukedea Teaching Hospital, Anita Foundation, and Victoria University. 
