More than 100 health sciences students from Victoria University are set to roll up their sleeves and join medical specialists in a life-changing mission: the Rajiv Ruparelia Memorial Eye Camp in Bukedea District.
The announcement was made by Prof. Lawrence Muganga, Vice Chancellor of Victoria University, at the official launch of the three-day outreach at Kabira Country Club in Kampala.
The initiative, organised by the Ruparelia Foundation, will run from March 27 to 29, 2026, at Bukedea Teaching Hospital, where thousands of residents from Teso and surrounding regions are expected to receive free eye screenings, cataract surgeries, and spectacles.
Students on the Frontline
“This is more than just an outreach,” Prof. Muganga said. “The people who will be doing the checkups, assisting in surgeries, dispensing medicine and supporting patients will include our students. These are nurses and health sciences students from Victoria University working hand-in-hand with the medical teams.”
He explained that the deployment is a dual opportunity: strengthening the success of the camp while giving students practical, hands-on medical experience.
“Through this initiative, we are impacting society, but we are also empowering our students,” Muganga said. “They gain exposure that prepares them to serve communities better in the future.”
Honouring Rajiv Ruparelia’s Legacy
Prof. Muganga also paid an emotional tribute to the late businessman Rajiv Ruparelia, whose humanitarian spirit inspired the camp.
“These are the things Rajiv would have loved to see,” he said. “Who knows, tomorrow the child who cannot see today might become one of our students.”
Highlighting the link between vision and education, Muganga noted:
“If that child receives treatment today and regains their sight, in one or two years they may come to us as students. Education begins with the ability to see the world clearly.”
He added, “You need your eyes to guide your legs and direct everything you do. This camp is giving people that chance.”
A Family Committed to Education and Community
The Vice Chancellor praised Dr. Sudhir Ruparelia and his family for their continued investment in education and community development.
“Sudhir created a university that is affordable,” Muganga said. “But beyond education, through initiatives like this eye camp, they are giving people a second chance in life.”
He noted that the Ruparelia family also supports vulnerable students through scholarships.
“In our previous graduation last year, the Sudhir family offered more than 100 scholarships to bright but vulnerable Ugandans,” he said. “We are deeply appreciative and pray that God continues to bless them.”
Eye Care for Thousands
Health experts estimate that the Bukedea eye camp will screen over 2,000 patients, conduct hundreds of cataract surgeries, and provide spectacles and specialised treatment for patients suffering from preventable blindness.
The outreach is being organised in partnership with Mulago National Referral Hospital and C-Care, bringing together specialised eye care teams to expand access to treatment in rural communities.
Prof. Muganga summed up the initiative: “Through this camp, we are not just restoring eyesight; we are restoring hope, creating opportunities, and shaping futures. Today’s patients could be tomorrow’s students, leaders, and changemakers.”
