By BM
A new chapter of hope has begun in the West Nile sub-region as the Association of Surgeons of Uganda (ASOU) kicks-off a weeklong surgical outreach aimed at addressing the region’s growing healthcare needs.
The surgical camp, titled “Restoring Health,” started from September 20 and will end on 27 this month, 2025, and is expected to benefit more than 2,000 patients across all 13 districts in the region.
Led by Professor Moses Galukande, President of ASOU and a Professor of Surgery at Makerere University, the team of medical professionals including surgeons, nurses, anesthetists, and other specialists was flagged off by Dr. Diana Atwine, the Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Health over the weekend.
The team departed with a strong sense of purpose and optimism, with members expressing enthusiasm and readiness to serve the people of West Nile.
Professor Galukande noted that what began as a plan to treat approximately 100 patients per site has evolved significantly due to overwhelming demand, with some sites reporting as many as 800 patients in need of surgical attention.
He emphasized that the outreach is more than just a medical intervention; it is a collective effort of love, service, and unity aimed at restoring lives and bringing healthcare closer to underserved communities.
In addition to surgical procedures, the camp also includes activities led by the Association of Pathologists, focusing on screening children for ear and eye conditions.
Organizers believe these efforts will create long-term health benefits for the region.
During a recent press briefing at Parliament, Dr. Charles Ayume, Member of Parliament for Koboko Municipality, called on the Ministry of Health to allocate funds in the national budget to support such surgical camps.
He explained that the initiative is essential in addressing the country’s backlog of patients waiting for surgery and advocated for its inclusion in ongoing healthcare strategies.
ASOU expressed deep appreciation to its partners and supporters, acknowledging their critical role in making the outreach possible.
Key contributors mentioned include the Ministry of Health, Bulamu Healthcare, City Oil, Members of Parliament, and many other organizations whose support has enabled the surgical mission to move forward.
According to the organizers, this one-week outreach is not just about providing surgical services but about making a lasting impact on the health and well-being of the West Nile community.
The ASOU team remains committed to transforming lives, one surgery at a time. (For comments on this story, get back to us on 0705579994 [WhatsApp line], 0779411734 & 041 4674611 or email us at mulengeranews@gmail.com).
