Over 700 treated during free medical camp in Kapchorwa
The medical camp, held under the theme “Health for All, Service to the Community,” aimed to provide essential health services to vulnerable people, many of whom lack access to regular healthcare due to financial constraints
KAPCHORWA, September 5, 2025 – More than 700 residents from Kaserem Sub-county in Kapchorwa district and neighbouring Bulambuli district received free medical treatment during a one-day health outreach organised by Royal Clouds Medical Centre on Sunday.
The medical camp, held under the theme “Health for All, Service to the Community,” aimed to provide essential health services to vulnerable people, many of whom lack access to regular healthcare due to financial hardships.
Comprehensive services offered
The outreach provided a wide range of services at no cost, including HIV testing and counselling, cancer screening, hepatitis B testing, blood pressure checks, surgical consultations, maternal and child health services, and general health check-ups.
According to health workers on the ground, many of the beneficiaries had never undergone comprehensive medical screening before. Some residents queued from as early as 6:00 a.m., hoping to take advantage of the rare opportunity.
Medical access for all
Emmanuel Olo, Executive Director of Royal Clouds Medical Centre, said the camp was part of the facility’s corporate social responsibility [CSR] efforts.
“Health is a right, not a privilege. Many people in rural areas like Kapchorwa face multiple barriers to accessing medical care – from long distances to unaffordable costs. This medical camp is about removing those barriers and bringing care closer to the people,” Olo said.
He added that the centre plans to organise similar medical camps in future to meet the growing demand for preventive healthcare services in the region.
Community voices
For many residents, the outreach came as a lifeline.
Faith Chelangat, 43, a mother of four, said it was her first time being screened for cancer.
“I was anxious at first, but I’m grateful. If it weren’t for today, I wouldn’t have known anything about my health status,” she said.
Fred Kiplangat, a farmer from Kawowo Sub-county, said he had struggled with chest infections for years but couldn’t afford regular hospital visits.
“Today I was examined, given medicine, and advised on how to manage my condition. This means a lot to me,” he said.
Children also benefited from deworming and immunisation services, while pregnant women received antenatal care and health education.
Bridging healthcare gaps
The event shed light on the ongoing healthcare challenges in rural Uganda. Despite government investment in health infrastructure, many rural facilities remain under-resourced, and specialised care is often available only in urban centres.
Olo emphasised the role of public-private partnerships in addressing these gaps.
“The government cannot do it alone. Private health institutions must step in to complement public efforts. The overwhelming turnout today shows that the need is urgent,” he added.
The camp was staffed by a team of doctors, nurses, laboratory technicians, and volunteers who provided both medical care and health education on nutrition, hygiene, and disease prevention.
Praise from local leaders
Local leaders hailed the initiative as a milestone in the district’s health development. William Kamonges, a community elder from Kaserem Sub-county, urged other institutions to emulate the example set by Royal Clouds Medical Centre.
“This camp shows what can be achieved when institutions commit to community service. It has restored hope for many,” he said.
Some residents also called for similar medical outreach programmes in hard-to-reach areas where transport challenges limit access to healthcare facilities.
Looking ahead
In his closing remarks, Olo pledged that the outreach would not be a one-off event.
“We are starting here in Kaserem, but our vision is to reach every corner of Kapchorwa and even beyond. Together with our partners, we will continue rolling out initiatives to improve the health and wellbeing of our communities,” he said.
A model for rural healthcare
The free medical camp served more than just immediate medical needs, it demonstrated a working model of how health institutions can contribute meaningfully to community development. By reaching over 700 people in one day, Royal Clouds Medical Centre has set a precedent that, if replicated, could significantly reduce the burden of preventable illnesses across rural Uganda.
For residents like Chelangat and Kiplangat, the event was not just about treatment, but about hope; hope that healthcare is within reach, and that no one is left behind.
https://thecooperator.news/over-1000-residents-benefit-from-free-medical-camp-in-kikuube-district/
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