Over 1,000 Lives Touched: Bringing Specialized Healthcare to the Heart of Karamoja. In a region where healthcare is often a luxury, a massive medical outreach has just concluded, leaving a lasting legacy of healing and hope. For several intensive days, a team of dedicated specialists descended upon Karamoja to bridge a critical gap in medical services, treating over 1,000 patients and performing life-changing surgeries.
This monumental effort was spearheaded by the Mbarara University of Science & Technology (MUST) Faculty of Medicine, specifically the Department of Surgery, in collaboration with a powerhouse of partners:
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Ministry of Health, Uganda
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Amigos Internacionales
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Doctors on Mission International
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Bethany Kids
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Mwagale Foundation
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Southern Baptist Missionaries
A Lifeline for the Underserved: The camp was hosted at St. Kizito Hospital Matany, a private-not-for-profit facility under the Catholic Diocese of Moroto. Serving a population that extends across the border to the Turkana and Southern Kenya, the hospital is a vital beacon for the vulnerable.
Dr. John Sembusi, the Deputy Medical Superintendent at St. Kizito, emphasized the urgency of the mission:
“We serve a high-need population where specialized human resources are scarce. The disease burden is high, and many patients who need super-specialized care are usually referred to Kampala a journey most cannot afford. This camp was timely, and the choice to serve the less privileged is truly enviable.”
With patient contributions covering less than 25% of care costs, the hospital relies heavily on external support. This outreach brought “the hospital to the community,” providing high-end services entirely free of charge.
Beyond Surgery: Specialized Interventions: The mission was a full-scale medical operation. While the main camp handled complex surgical cases, parallel outreaches reached deep into the community. A standout success was the focus on physical rehabilitation and mobility:
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46 individuals with physical impairments received direct support.
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22 Wheelchairs (Standard & Intermediate) were distributed.
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3 Walking Aids provided.
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6 Prosthetic Referrals and 15 Therapy Interventions were conducted.
By empowering independence, the team ensured that the impact of the camp would be felt in the daily lives and mobility of the Karamoja people.
A Mission Accomplished: As the camp closed, Dr. Felix Oyania, Head of the Department of Surgery at MUST, reflected on the broader vision:
“This mission was about more than just treatment; it was about strengthening a community. Every smile restored is a step toward a healthier, more equitable future.”
The success of this outreach stands as a testament to the power of partnership and the resilience of the people of Moroto.
At Mbarara University of Science & Technology, our mission is to provide equitable quality education and research with a focus on community-based health. By taking specialized care to the heart of Karamoja, we are not just teaching medicine we are living our commitment to transform society and provide “Succeed we MUST” through service to the most vulnerable.
