Overview:
Luwero District Local Council V Chairperson, Erasto Kibirango, has called on the government to increase investment in the public health sector, saying many rural residents are still struggling to access affordable treatment despite the official policy of free healthcare at government facilities.
Luwero District Local Council V Chairperson, Erasto Kibirango, has called on the government to increase investment in the public health sector, saying many rural residents are still struggling to access affordable treatment despite the official policy of free healthcare at government facilities.
Kibirango said that while medical services are meant to be free, persistent drug shortages and related costs continue to push peasants out of the healthcare system.
He noted that many residents are forced to wait for free medical camps to receive proper treatment, describing the situation as a sign that more deliberate government funding and supervision of health facilities are needed.
Kibirango made the remarks at the closure of a two-day free medical camp codenamed “Tubeere Balamu” (loosely translated as “Let Us Keep Healthy”), organized by the Buganda Kingdom.
The camp was held at Kasana St. Jude Primary School in Luwero Town Council, Luwero District, where more than 1,000 people reportedly benefited from the outreach.
It began on Tuesday, February 24, 2026, and concluded on Wednesday, February 25, 2026. This year’s edition was designated for Bulemeezi County, which comprises the districts of Luwero, Nakaseke, and part of Nakasongola.
According to the Kabaka Foundation, which organized the initiative, the Kingdom partnered with the Roman Catholic Diocese of Kasana-Luweero and the Uganda Red Cross Society, among others, to ensure comprehensive service delivery.
The camp was officially closed on Wednesday by the Buganda Kingdom’s Attorney General, Oweek Christopher Bwanika. He explained that one of the primary reasons Ronald Muwenda Mutebi II established the Kabaka Foundation was to ensure that his subjects periodically have access to free medical services.
Bwanika noted that on October 30, 2024, Kabaka Mutebi launched the “Tubeere Balamu” campaign to improve the health of his subjects through free medical check-ups, immunization, and treatment.
He, however, expressed concern that many people in the region remain economically disadvantaged. Bwanika emphasized that the Kabaka Foundation’s services are open to all people without discrimination.
He also encouraged residents to embrace health insurance schemes, noting that they can offer additional support, especially following sensitization conducted during the camp.
Eddie Kaggwa Ndagala, Chief Executive Officer of the Kabaka Foundation, revealed that the next medical camp is scheduled for April 22 and 23, 2026, in Buweekula County.
On behalf of Kkangaawo Ronald Mulondo, Mengo’s Chief in charge of Bulemeezi County, the Speaker of Bulemeezi County Council, Dan Ssenku, described the camp as timely. He observed that many government health facilities continue to face persistent drug shortages, while some medical personnel reportedly give patients a cold reception.
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