For the third consecutive year, old boys of Muntuyera High School Kitunga have returned to Kajara County in Ntungamo District to restore hope through a free medical outreach aimed at improving access to healthcare.
The two-day medical camp, held at Muntuyera High School, is providing residents with general medical check-ups, HIV testing and counselling, cervical cancer and peptic ulcer screening, safe male circumcision, dental and optical care, deworming, family planning services, nutrition assessments and minor surgeries.
The initiative is benefiting hundreds of residents from Kajara and neighbouring communities who often face challenges accessing affordable healthcare services.
Hundreds of young and elderly residents gathered at the school on Friday as the outreach commenced, with organisers expecting the number of beneficiaries to reach about 2,000 by the end of the camp.
Chairperson of the Muntuyera Medical Camp, Dr Collins Matsiko, said the initiative is part of the old boys' contribution towards improving community health and supporting national development through disease prevention, early diagnosis and treatment.
"We are looking at approximately 2,000 beneficiaries. Old boys sat and organised this campaign as our contribution to national development through programmes that look at eradicating non-communicable diseases in our community. The old boys have organised a team of health workers to provide free health services," Dr Matsiko said.
The medical camp was graced by the Bishop of South Ankole Diocese, Rt. Rev. Nathan Ahimbisibwe, who encouraged residents to seek professional medical care while maintaining faith and prayer during treatment.
"There are diseases where you need real physical treatment. However, you also need to pray for the treatment they have been given so that it works well. Faith and treatment go hand in hand," Bishop Ahimbisibwe said.
He urged residents to prioritise regular medical check-ups, follow prescribed treatment and continue seeking spiritual support while battling illness.
The Head Teacher of Muntuyera High School, Yoram Muzahura, said the outreach has become one of the school's most significant community programmes since it was launched in 2024.
"This is the third time since 2024, and we hope that together with our partners we shall ensure this is carried on every year to give back to the community. The services are entirely free, unlike in many other health facilities where treatment is costly and facilities are far away, which is why many people remain in their villages battling disease because they cannot afford treatment and transport," Muzahura said.
He noted that the annual outreach continues to bridge gaps in healthcare access for vulnerable families while strengthening the relationship between the school and surrounding communities.
Organisers also revealed plans to expand the programme to communities in Rwanda, where many former students of Muntuyera High School now serve in government and other institutions and have expressed willingness to support the initiative.
The organisers said the expansion would help extend the impact of the medical outreach beyond Uganda and provide healthcare support to more communities in need.
