Tayebwa committed this during the week-long National Free Surgical Week closing ceremony in Ishaka district, Southwestern Uganda. The surgery camp, organized by the Association of Surgeons of Uganda (ASOU) in collaboration with Kampala International University Teaching Hospital (KIUTH), facilitated over 700 life-changing surgeries.
The procedures addressed various health conditions, including hernias, cataracts, orthopaedic issues, goitres, hydroceles, fistulas, and tumours, as well as urological and gynaecological problems.
Tayebwa expressed deep admiration for the medical teams, commending their dedication to providing free healthcare to disadvantaged Ugandans. He promised to advocate for parliamentary funding of at least Shs 200 million to support future camps, allowing more citizens to access free medical services.
“We will support all medical camps to bring healthcare closer to the people. Parliament is committed to improving the healthcare of Ugandans,” Tayebwa said.
The camp served patients from five districts within the Ankole sub-region. One of the beneficiaries, Sam Ntumwa, expressed his gratitude, sharing, “I regained my eyesight after a successful cataract surgery.”
His experience highlights the transformative impact these medical camps can have on communities. KIUTH chief executive officer, Dr Omar Umi Bunu, affirmed the hospital’s commitment to continuing surgeries for patients who registered during the camp but couldn’t be treated within the initial seven-day period.
“We will finish the task, ensuring everyone receives the care they need,” Dr Bunu stated.
Dr Moses Galukande, president of ASOU, noted that the team looks forward to continuing these medical camps with the next one planned for West Nile in 2025, targeting districts such as Nebbi, Paidha, Arua, Adjumani, and Koboko.
The National Free Surgical Week, a collaborative effort between ASOU, KIUTH, ministry of Health, and the parliament of Uganda, has a long history of improving healthcare access. The first camp was held in Apac district in 1997. Prior to the Ishaka camp, the last event took place in Bukedi sub-region, where 1,234 patients were examined, 734 of whom required surgery. A total of 568 surgeries were successfully performed.
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