Uganda: Catholic Caravan 2026 brings healthcare to underserved communities

Summary

The Archdiocese of Mbarara Development Association (AMDA), an organisation linking Catholics from western Uganda’s Archdiocese of Mbarara who live in Kampala and nearby areas, conducted its 12th annual Medical Caravan Outreach. The 2026 caravan travelled from Kampala to St. Claret Parish, Nyabwina, in Sheema District, with four buses and additional private vehicles. The three-day medical camp took place from 4–6 September 2026 at St. John’s Secondary School. Medical personnel, including lay professionals and religious sisters, provided free medical, dental, and eye-care services to rural and underserved communities. The programme was supported by AMDA members, volunteers, partner organisations, the Ugandan government, and some security agencies, which supplied funding, medicines, equipment, and specialised medical teams. Organisers stressed that services were available to everyone regardless of religious affiliation and were intended to supplement rather than replace established hospitals and health facilities. Serious cases were referred to existing institutions. The outreach also aimed to promote broader cooperation and community development in areas such as education and livelihoods. Bishop Callistus Rubaramira of Kabale represented Archbishop Lambert Bainomugisha at the closing Mass and described the initiative as “a journey of generosity.”