Anita Among, the Speaker of Parliament, has pledged Shs50 million to support a free eye care outreach in Eastern Uganda being organized by the Ruparelia Foundation in remembrance of the late Rajiv Ruparelia.
The pledge was announced during the launch of the RR Eye Camp Bukedea, held Tuesday evening at Kabira Country Club. Rajiv, the son of businessman Sudhir Ruparelia, died in a road accident along Busabala Road in May last year. The outreach initiative has been organized in his memory. The launch brought together members of the Ruparelia family, medical professionals, government officials, and various partners to introduce a program expected to significantly impact communities in the Teso Sub-Region.
Speaking during the event, Jyotsna Ruparelia, a director at the Ruparelia Group, shared an emotional reflection on the importance of the initiative to her family. She explained that the eye camp carries special meaning because it is being conducted in honor of their son Rajiv. According to her, Rajiv strongly believed in supporting communities and encouraging initiatives that improved people’s lives, particularly through education, sports, and charitable work.
Jyotsna also recalled that Rajiv had personally pushed for the idea of the eye camp shortly before his passing. She said he had sent her a message asking her to simply set the date while he would organize the rest. She added that at the time she never imagined she would later be speaking about the project without him. While losing Rajiv remains the most painful experience the family has faced, she said continuing the work he believed in gives them the strength to move forward.
The outreach is scheduled to take place from March 27 to 29, 2026, at Bukedea Teaching Hospital. Medical teams will set up fully equipped surgical theatres at the hospital so that patients from surrounding communities can receive treatment locally instead of travelling to major urban centres.
Organizers expect the program to screen at least 2,000 people, carry out approximately 300 cataract surgeries including about 50 specialized procedures for children and distribute more than 800 pairs of reading and prescription glasses.
The initiative has attracted support from several partners, including Mulago National Referral Hospital, Joban Group, SINO Uganda, Mbale Industrial Park, Krisha International, Dembe Goldstar Insurance, Swastik Pharmaceuticals, Kabira Country Club, the Indian Association, Midas Floors, C-Care, Royal Pharma, Pepsi, Win World Impex, Gittoes Pharmaceuticals, Lato, Abacus, Sanyu FM, and Rene Industries. Their collective contributions have helped make it possible to deliver specialized eye care services directly to communities that often struggle to access them.
According to Grace Ssali, an ophthalmologist from Mulago National Referral Hospital, cataracts remain the leading cause of blindness in Uganda. The condition typically develops from around the age of 40 as the lens of the eye gradually becomes cloudy. She explained that cataract surgery in a private hospital can cost up to Shs5 million, an amount many rural patients cannot afford. During a previous outreach in Bukedea, her team screened over 6,000 individuals and identified more than 200 who needed surgery but had no means to pay for it. The new camp aims to address that need.
Doctors will also conduct screenings for glaucoma, a condition that can lead to irreversible blindness if not detected early. Children with vision problems will receive special attention, as timely treatment can prevent permanent damage to their eyesight. Dr. Ssali emphasized that early intervention is particularly important for young patients, because delays in treatment may result in lasting blindness.
Speaker Among spoke warmly about her connection with Rajiv and his family, thanking them for bringing the outreach to her constituency. She described Rajiv as someone who had been very dear to her and encouraged those who cared about him to continue honoring his legacy through acts of service.
In addition to her financial pledge, she also promised the support of Bukedea Teaching Hospital, the Anita Foundation, and local leaders to help ensure the success of the camp.
For the communities of Bukedea and the wider Teso region, the outreach represents more than a health initiative. As Jyotsna explained, restoring sight can change lives in profound ways. A child may return to school, a parent may regain the ability to work, and an elderly person may recover their independence. In many cases, a simple surgery or a pair of glasses can make a life-changing difference.
