Free Eye Camp Launched in Memory of Rajiv Ruparelia, Thousands Set to Benefit

By Jarc Tusiime 

BUKEDEA, Uganda — March 28, 2026 — Hundreds of patients have begun receiving free eye care services at the Rajiv Ruparelia Memorial Eye Camp, a three-day medical outreach aimed at restoring sight and improving access to eye health services in underserved communities.

The camp, taking place at Bukedea Teaching Hospital from March 27 to 29, has drawn large numbers of residents from across Eastern Uganda seeking diagnosis and treatment for various eye conditions. Organized by the Ruparelia Foundation, the initiative honours the legacy of the late businessman and philanthropist Rajiv Ruparelia.

Medical teams at the camp are offering a wide range of services, including comprehensive eye examinations, cataract screening and surgeries, and the distribution of prescription glasses. Children and elderly patients have made up a significant portion of those turning up, many of whom say they have long lacked access to affordable eye care.

Health workers involved in the outreach say the response has been overwhelming, with thousands expected to benefit by the end of the exercise. The camp is targeting more than 2,000 patients, with hundreds set to undergo sight-restoring surgical procedures.

Officials say the initiative is part of broader efforts to bridge healthcare gaps in rural areas, where specialized services such as eye treatment remain limited. By bringing medical professionals and equipment closer to the people, organizers hope to reduce preventable blindness and improve overall community health.

Local leaders and stakeholders have welcomed the intervention, noting that poor vision has long affected productivity, education, and quality of life in the region. They say such partnerships between private foundations and health institutions are critical in addressing pressing healthcare needs.

The Rajiv Ruparelia Memorial Eye Camp is expected to conclude on Sunday, with organizers expressing optimism that the program will continue to expand in future years, reaching even more communities across the country.