Africa-Press – Uganda. Residents of Ssekanyonyi Sub-county in Mityana District turned up in large numbers on Monday at Ssekanyonyi Health Center IV, where they received free medical services during a special health camp organized by the Rotary Clubs of Bwebajja and Mityana in partnership with the Buganda Kingdom.
By mid-morning, hundreds of people, young and old, were queuing at the facility, eager to benefit from the one-day medical outreach.
According to officials, more than 1,000 residents were attended to for conditions ranging from malaria, hypertension, diabetes, and eye complications to other common illnesses.
Dr. John Yawe, the in-charge of Ssekanyonyi Health Center IV, welcomed the initiative but admitted the facility remains overwhelmed by the high patient load.
“We are grateful to Rotary and Buganda Kingdom for extending these services to our people. However, the health center still faces challenges such as drug shortages, largely because of the very big population we serve as the only HCIV in this area,” Dr Yawe noted.
Leaders of the two Rotary Clubs said their goal is to complement government efforts in extending essential healthcare closer to the people.
Hajj Hassana Nyenje, President of Rotary Club Bwebajja, said: “Our mandate as Rotarians is to serve communities and improve their quality of life. Health is at the core of that mission, and we shall continue organizing such medical camps.”
Najjuko Nabende, President of Rotary Club Mityana, emphasized the strategic partnership with the Buganda Kingdom in reaching more residents.
“This camp is not just about treatment but also sensitization. We want our communities to embrace regular check-ups so that diseases are detected early,” she added.
The health camp was officially launched by Steven Jjumba, the third deputy Ssingo County chief, who urged residents to take advantage of such opportunities and prioritize regular medical checkups.
“We encourage all our people to use these platforms to know their health status. Prevention and early treatment are key to improving livelihoods,” Jjumba noted.
Area leaders also appealed to government to strengthen health service delivery.
Bonny Kamoga, the Ssekanyonyi Sub-county chairperson, called for increased drug supplies and specialized equipment.
“Our health facilities are overwhelmed. Government should increase funding for medicines and improve staffing levels so that people don’t have to travel far for basic care,” Kamoga noted.
According to organizers, the free services included blood pressure screening, blood sugar testing, malaria diagnosis and treatment, HIV counseling, eye care, and general medical consultations.
Richard Kyambadde, the Ssingo County treasurer who also attended the camp, praised the initiative, saying it had given hope to many residents who often struggle to access quality healthcare.
“Most of our people cannot afford private clinics, yet government facilities are overstretched. This camp has come at the right time,” Kyambadde remarked.
Access to healthcare remains one of the biggest challenges in rural Mityana, where residents often trek long distances to reach facilities that are, in many cases, understocked.
Local leaders argue that without consistent government intervention, such gaps will continue to leave communities vulnerable.
For the people of Ssekanyonyi, however, the Rotary-organized camp was a welcome relief.
By the end of the day, more than a thousand residents had walked away with medication, medical advice, and renewed hope for better health.
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