Thousands of residents and surrounding communities gathered at Kangulumira sub county headquarters in Bugerere, Kayunga district, to receive free surgical and medical care during the ongoing Tubeere Balamu Health Camp, a landmark initiative spearheaded by the Kabaka Foundation, in partnership with the Association of Surgeons of Uganda (ASOU) and supported by I&M Bank Uganda.
Running from 12th to 19th September, the week-long outreach is expanding access to essential healthcare for underserved communities across Buganda’s Bugerere, Buvuma, Bulemeezi, Busiro, Kyaggwe, Ssingo and Buluuli counties offering, surgical services, medical consultations, health screenings, vaccinations and preventive health education.
In Kayunga alone, thousands turned up, not just from Buganda, but from neighbouring areas as well to access services that many would otherwise struggle to afford or reach.
Addressing beneficiaries at the Bugerere health camp, Omulangira Khalifan Kakungulu emphasized the importance of preventive healthcare and routine medical examinations in improving the well-being of communities. “This health camp is a call to action for our people to prioritise their well-being through regular medical check-ups and timely professional advice. Diseases such as cancer are becoming an increasing concern, particularly among older people, making early detection and preventive care more important than ever,” he said.
Buganda Kingdom Minister of Health, Owek. Cotilda Nakate Kikomeko, commended the partners behind the initiative, saying their support reflects the Kingdom’s continued commitment to advancing public health education, raising awareness and empowering communities to take proactive steps to safeguard their well-being.
“I urge the community to join the Tubeere Balamu health insurance scheme and continue contributing towards health camps that expand access to medical education and essential services,” she told the audience.
As a longstanding partner of the Buganda Kingdom, I&M Bank Uganda Limited continues to invest in initiatives that create meaningful and lasting social impact. The Bank’s support for the Tubeere Balamu programme reflects its broader commitment to improving livelihoods, advancing community wellbeing and contributing to sustainable development.
“Our partnership with the Buganda Kingdom through the Tubeere Balamu Health Camps reflects a shared commitment to improving the quality of life of the communities we serve. Access to healthcare is fundamental to building resilient and productive communities. By supporting initiatives such as these, we are investing not only in better health outcomes today, but also in a stronger and more sustainable future for our people,” said Annette Nakiyaga, Head of Marketing and Corporate Communications at I&M Bank Uganda Limited.
A key highlight of the Bugerere outreach was a guided tour of Kayunga Regional Referral Hospital, where Tubeere Balamu Health Camp stakeholders moved through key service points to gain first-hand insight into local healthcare needs and opportunities for stronger collaboration with frontline medical teams. Launched in 2024, the Tubeere Balamu Health Camp is part of the Kabaka Foundation’s broader effort to improve healthcare standards across Buganda. The programme has reached nearly all counties in the Kingdom with vital medical services and health education, bringing essential care closer to communities. As of today, more than 1,000 surgeries have been completed, with the initiative targeting 3,600 surgeries by the end of the week.
