By Joseph Kiggundu
The Speaker of Parliament, Anita Annet Among, has officially launched the Rajiv Ruparelia Memorial Eye Camp aimed at providing free eye care services to thousands of people in eastern Uganda.
The launch ceremony was held at Kabira Country Club and was attended by representatives from the Ruparelia Foundation, government officials and other partners supporting the initiative.
The medical outreach is being organised in honour of the late Rajiv Ruparelia, who passed away in a tragic car accident along Busabala Road in May last year.
Speaking at the launch, Jyotsna Ruparelia said the eye camp holds special significance for the family as it commemorates their son’s commitment to helping communities.
“This eye camp is very meaningful to us because it is organised in memory of Rajiv, who strongly believed in giving back to society and supporting people in need,” she said.
The outreach programme is scheduled to take place from 27th to 29th March 2026 at Bukedea Teaching Hospital in Bukedea District. Organisers expect the camp to provide free eye screening and treatment to at least 2,000 patients.
Medical teams will also conduct approximately 300 cataract surgeries and about 50 specialised eye operations for children, among other services aimed at addressing preventable blindness in the region.
Speaker Among commended the Ruparelia Foundation, led by prominent businessman Sudhir Ruparelia, for supporting government efforts to improve access to healthcare services.
She noted that partnerships between government and private organisations are essential in expanding healthcare access, especially in rural communities where many people struggle to receive specialised medical care.
“Such initiatives complement government programmes by bringing critical services closer to the people and demonstrating the spirit of serving humanity,” Among said.
The Speaker also encouraged residents to take advantage of the free services that will be offered during the three-day medical camp, emphasising the importance of early detection and treatment of eye conditions.
Organisers say the memorial eye camp will not only honour Rajiv Ruparelia’s legacy of philanthropy but also restore sight and improve the quality of life for hundreds of patients in the region.