In the cool morning light of Malangala village, hundreds of residents from across Busujju County gathered with anticipation and hope. They had come to participate in a free community health camp hosted by Mukwaya General Hospital in partnership with the Rotary Club of Kampala. For many, it was their first opportunity in years to receive medical attention completely free of charge.
This initiative, held at the heart of Malangala Sub-County, was championed by Dr. Ben Kiwanuka Mukwaya, the founder of Mukwaya General Hospital and also the Katikkiro (Prime Minister) of the Mbogo Clan. Driven by concern over the lack of essential drugs in some public hospitals, Dr. Mukwaya said the outreach was born out of necessity.
“We cannot sit back while our people suffer from treatable illnesses simply because there is no medicine in public health facilities,health is a right, not a privilege, and bringing services to the people is the least we can do," said Dr. Mukwaya.
He also used the event to educate the community about disease prevention, especially illnesses caused by poor hygiene and unsafe living conditions.
“If we want to reduce illness in our communities, we must start by keeping our homes and surroundings clean. Prevention is just as important as treatment,” he told the crowd.
The Rotary Club of Kampala, under the leadership of Namirembe Racheal Jjuuko, played a pivotal role in making the outreach possible.
Speaking at the event, Jjuuko emphasized the Rotary’s commitment to community health.
“We realized that many Ugandans suffer in silence because they cannot afford medical bills,this camp is our way of restoring hope and dignity to the people.”Namirembe noted.
Residents were tested for a range of common illnesses, including HIV/AIDS, diabetes, high blood pressure, and malaria. All services—from diagnostics to medication were provided at no cost.
According to the lead physician, Dr. Naiga Naira, the most common diagnosis was bacterial infections, which in some cases had escalated into serious conditions like sepsis due to delayed treatment.
“We found a significant number of patients suffering from preventable infections. This highlights the urgent need for sustained health education and timely access to care,” Dr. Naira noted.
For the villagers, the health camp was a godsend. Many shared stories of long struggles with illness, worsened by poverty and the distance to the nearest health facility.
“We have been suffering quietly because the hospitals are far and expensive,” said Maria Namakula, a mother of four who received treatment for malaria. “Today, I feel seen, heard, and cared for. I can’t thank the organizers enough.”
As the camp came to a close, gratitude lingered in the air echoed in handshakes, smiles, and the quiet dignity of a community that, for once, didn’t have to choose between survival and healthcare.