KIKUUBE, July 8, 2025 — More than 1,000 residents from communities along the shores of Lake Albert in Buhuka parish, Kyangwali Sub-county, Kikuube district, have benefited from a free medical camp offering vital healthcare services.
The one-day camp, held at Buhuka Health Centre III in Nsonga Landing Site village, was organised recently by China National Offshore Oil Corporation [CNOOC] Uganda Limited in partnership with the Chinese medical team in Uganda. CNOOC operates the Kingfisher oil field located in Buhuka parish.
The initiative attracted a wide range of beneficiaries, including community leaders, the elderly, children, youth, and women. Services provided included screening and treatment for diabetes, cancer, HIV/AIDS, malaria, hypertension, eye conditions, ulcers, high and blood pressure, among others. Maternal and child health services were also a major focus.
As part of the initiative, CNOOC donated essential medicines and paediatric supplies to Buhuka Health Centre III to strengthen healthcare delivery in the area.
Speaking at the launch, Acting President of CNOOC Uganda, Hu Weijie, emphasised that access to quality healthcare is a fundamental right. He reiterated the company’s commitment to supporting health services in the communities where it operates.
“These free medical camps were introduced after recognising that many communities, particularly those in remote landing sites like Buhuka, struggle to access specialised care, early screenings, and timely interventions,” he said.
“What we are doing here today goes far beyond corporate social responsibility. It is about responding to human need, with dignity, humility, and compassion. It is about the mother walking kilometres to find care for her child, the child who has never seen a doctor, and the elderly person whose illness remains untreated due to cost. These are the lives we hope to touch.”
Since the launch of the programme, thousands of residents in the Kingfisher Development Area have received critical healthcare that would otherwise be out of reach due to cost, distance, or lack of specialists.
“The CNOOC medical camp is more than an event; it symbolises our long-term commitment to improving public health and supporting national development goals. Through this initiative, we aim to complement local healthcare efforts, bridge gaps in access, and raise awareness about the importance of health and safety—not just within our operational areas, but across the region,” Hu added.
“This year’s theme, Health and Wellness for a Better Future, aligns with CNOOC’s global vision of Energy for a Better Future. Health is not just a basic human right, it is the foundation for strong families, productive communities, and sustainable national growth.”
Dr Shem Tibeita, Officer in Charge at Kyangwali Health Centre IV, praised CNOOC for its contribution to the health sector, noting that the support aligns with district efforts to improve service delivery. He also highlighted ongoing challenges, including a lack of ambulances, drug shortages, and the absence of specialist doctors.
Kikuube district LC5 Vice Chairperson, Vincent Alpha Opio, acknowledged that many communities in the Albertine Graben still struggle to access comprehensive healthcare. He urged oil companies to hold more medical camps to help residents understand their health status and receive timely treatment.
One of the beneficiaries, John Biwaga, who was diagnosed with high blood pressure, commended CNOOC for the support. “I’ve now understood my health condition thanks to this camp. CNOOC has done a great job bringing healthcare services closer to us,” she said.
Another beneficiary, Gloria Agia, who suffers from eye complications, said the free camp came at the right time. “Many of us are dealing with various health issues but can’t afford treatment. This has been a blessing.”
Dismas Bihemaiso, Chairperson of Nsonga A Landing Site, appealed for the medical camps to be held monthly. “Most people here live in poverty and can’t afford treatment. Many are suffering from illnesses that need specialised care, which is financially out of reach,” he said.
https://thecooperator.news/hundreds-benefit-from-medical-camp-in-masindi-district/
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