Diocese Hosts Buganda Kingdom’s Health Camp

By BERNARD BAKALU

Luweero

The Roman Catholic Diocese of Kasana-Luweero has graciously hosted a two-day Health Camp organized by the Buganda Kingdom, reaffirming the Church’s enduring commitment to the holistic well-being of God’s people.

The medical outreach was held at Kasana St. Jude Primary School from Tuesday, February 24, to Wednesday, February 25, 2026.

Prior to the camp, the Ordinary of Kasana-Luweero, Lawrence Mukasa, informed the Diocesan faithful that he had been contacted by the Kingdom with a request for partnership. In a spirit of ecclesial collaboration and service to the common good, the Bishop welcomed the initiative.

“The Church,” he noted, “is called not only to preach the Gospel but also to manifest Christ’s compassion through concrete acts of charity, especially in the area of health and human dignity.”

The Buganda Kingdom organizes such medical camps annually on a rotational basis across its 18 counties. This year’s edition was allocated to Bulemeezi County, which encompasses the districts of Luweero, Nakaseke, and part of Nakasongola.

According to the Kabaka Foundation, the principal organizer under the Kingdom’s Health Program, the outreach was conducted in partnership with the Diocese and the Uganda Red Cross Society to ensure comprehensive and professional service delivery. Medical specialists in various disciplines were deployed to attend to residents.

On the opening day, hundreds of subjects of His Majesty Ronald Muwenda Mutebi II from across Bulemeezi County thronged the venue to receive medical attention. Many beneficiaries expressed profound gratitude for the initiative, offering thanks to the Kabaka and the organizers for bringing much-needed services closer to the people.

During a follow-up visit on the second and final day, the Diocesan Reporter learned through interviews that non-communicable diseases—particularly diabetes and hypertension—were among the most common concerns presented at the camp.

Mr. Simon Peter Katongole of Waluleeta Village shared that he had come for a check-up regarding kidney complications, high blood pressure, and diabetes.

Ms. Suzan Namagembe of Butuntumula explained that she is diabetic and sought medical care and professional guidance on managing her condition.

Mr. Joseph Kitimbo of Kapeeka came for an eye examination, noting that for nearly a year his left eye had been persistently watery, “as if I am crying,” and he hoped the medical team would diagnose and treat the condition. He added that while he intended to test for diabetes, he had not experienced symptoms of hypertension.

Medical personnel on site declined to provide immediate statistics on the overall trends of ailments treated, indicating that a comprehensive report would be released after the close of the camp.

Meanwhile, men turned up in significant numbers for prostate cancer screening. During preparatory meetings held on February 12, 2025, at the Pope John Paul II Pastoral Center, Kingdom authorities had encouraged men in Bulemeezi County to take advantage of the free screening services offered at the camp.

Prostate cancer develops in the prostate gland—a small gland found only in males, situated below the bladder and in front of the rectum, and responsible for producing fluid that forms part of semen. The disease occurs when cells in the prostate grow abnormally and uncontrollably. While some forms progress slowly, others are more aggressive.

Medical experts emphasized that prostate cancer is not contagious and cannot be transmitted through contact, sexual activity, shared utensils, or blood. However, if left untreated, it may spread to other parts of the body—a process known as metastasis—often affecting the bones and other vital organs.

Mr. Edward Kaggwa Ndagala, Chief Executive Officer of the Kabaka Foundation, urged men in Luweero to embrace regular prostate screening. “Men aged 40 and above should undergo annual check-ups,” he advised, noting that treatment for advanced prostate cancer can be extremely costly, even though screening at the camp was offered free of charge.

Throughout the two-day outreach, the Diocese was represented by Rev. Fr. Frank Mugga, Diocesan Health Coordinator, and Msgr. Vincent De Paul Mukiibi, Vicar General of the Diocese, who represented Bishop Mukasa in his absence.

The Health Camp stands as a testament to the fruitful collaboration between the Church and cultural institutions in promoting the dignity of human life and advancing integral human development.

 

 

 

 

 

 

THE HEALTH CAMP IN PICTURES

Residents from Bulemeezi County gather at Kasana-Luweero Diocese for the Buganda Kingdom Health Camp on Wednesday, February 25, 2026. PHOTO BY BERNARD BAKALU.

A health worker attends to a patient during the Buganda Kingdom Health Camp at Kasana-Luweero Diocese on Wednesday, February 25, 2026. PHOTO BY BERNARD BAKALU.

 Some of the patients wait for services during the Buganda Kingdom Health Camp at the Roman Catholic Diocese of Kasana-Luweero on Wednesday, February 25, 2026. PHOTO BY BERNARD BAKALU.

 An elderly man is assisted to receive treatment during the Buganda Kingdom Health Camp at the Roman Catholic Diocese of Kasana-Luweero on Wednesday, February 25, 2026. PHOTO BY BERNARD BAKALU.

 Some of the patients line up to receive medical attention during the Buganda Kingdom Health Camp at the Roman Catholic Diocese of Kasana-Luweero on Wednesday, February 25, 2026. PHOTO BY BERNARD BAKALU.

 Some of the patients queue for medical attention during the Buganda Kingdom Health Camp at the Roman Catholic Diocese of Kasana-Luweero on Wednesday, February 25, 2026. PHOTO BY BERNARD BAKALU.

 Some of the patients wait patiently to receive medical attention during the Buganda Kingdom Health Camp at the Roman Catholic Diocese of Kasana-Luweero on Wednesday, February 25, 2026. PHOTO BY BERNARD BAKALU.

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