Ruparelia Eye Camp Grows Bigger, Honouring Rajiv’s Legacy of Service

The ongoing RR Eye Camp in Bukedea District is drawing massive crowds, with thousands of patients thronging the grounds of Bukedea Teaching Hospital in search of free eye care services. Organized by the Ruparelia Group in honour of the late Rajiv Ruparelia, the outreach has not only attracted an overwhelming turnout but also earned widespread commendation from organizers, partners, and local leaders who addressed the media on its progress and impact.

Speaking on behalf of the Ruparelia Foundation, Sheena Ruparelia described this year’s edition as a significant step forward for 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 noted that this fourth edition introduces expanded services compared to previous camps.

“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 further explained the added logistical effort involved in handling children’s prescriptions. “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.”

Organizers revealed that the initiative has cost over UGX 2 billion, covering surgeries, glasses, and other essential medical services.

Emphasizing the camp’s approach, Sheena pointed out that the goal is to deliver complete treatment rather than partial care. “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 added that a team of 15 Ugandan doctors, including surgeons, has been deployed with full equipment and medication to ensure on-site services.

Providing an update, she said, “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 also noted that dozens of patients have already received prescription glasses, while a blood donation drive held alongside the camp has collected 45 units. She expressed appreciation to partners including Mulago Hospital, C-Care, Bukedea Teaching Hospital, Anita Foundation, and Victoria University.

Reflecting on the origins of the initiative, Sheena highlighted the family inspiration behind it. “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 added that this edition was intentionally scaled up as a 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 speaking to the media, Victoria University Vice Chancellor Dr Lawrence Muganga shared reflections on Rajiv Ruparelia’s generosity and praised the structure of the outreach. “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 pointed to the high 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 could be extended to other regions.

Bukedea MP-elect Beecham Okwere David described the programme as life-changing for many beneficiaries. “This is heart touching and it is giving a second life to people who have not been able to see well,” he said, highlighting the high cost of eye treatment. “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 applauded the Ruparelia family for extending the outreach beyond the region, noting its growing 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. 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.”