5,000 Ugandans Get Free Health Care in 3-Day Camp

Over three days in late February, a primary school in Luwero District transformed into a lifeline for thousands of Ugandans who needed medical care but couldn't afford it.

The Tubeere Balamu Health Camp at St. Jude Primary School served more than 5,000 residents with essential services like HIV testing, cancer screenings, immunizations, and treatment for various illnesses. Lines stretched across the schoolyard as families waited for care that would normally be out of reach.

The Kabaka Foundation organized the camp in partnership with I&M Bank Uganda, continuing a healthcare mission that began three decades ago. Ronald Muwenda Mutebi II, the Kabaka (king) of Buganda, sent a message urging residents to embrace preventive care and regular check-ups rather than waiting until illnesses become serious.

He specifically encouraged men to get prostate cancer screenings, acknowledging the growing impact of the disease. His message emphasized seeking early treatment from qualified health professionals rather than delaying care.

Christopher Bwanika, Attorney General of the Kingdom of Buganda, noted that healthcare has been a cornerstone of the Kabaka Foundation since its creation 30 years ago. That early commitment continues to deliver real results for communities across the region.

The Ripple Effect

Since launching in 2024, Tubeere Balamu has reached six counties across the Buganda region. Each camp brings not just immediate medical care but also health education that families carry home with them.

I&M Bank has supported every health camp in the initiative. "When we place health at the forefront, we are securing a stronger future for these communities and supporting their development," said Annette Nakiyaga, the bank's Head of Marketing and Corporate Communications.

The partnership shows how businesses and community leaders can work together to address healthcare gaps in rural areas. Medical workers, religious leaders, and volunteers joined forces to make the three-day event possible.

For thousands of families in Luwero, the camp meant access to screenings and treatments that could catch diseases early and save lives down the road.