Service amidst Challenges!

On Friday 19, March 2010, the Lions of Kampala Central together with a team of doctors, nurses and other support staff set off on a journey to Kyabugimbi Health centre in Bushenyi District for the Second Medical camp. The camp was held successfully on 20th March and 2448 patients with different ailments received free treatment.

(Left in the photo, Lions and Leos doing registration at one of the centres)

The journey travelled was one of the most challenging so far; from the heavy downpour that characterized both days to surviving a nasty accident on the Mbarara – Bushenyi road which left our bus very damaged but fortunately with no one hurt in the process. All that could not deter us from our purpose and we finally held our camp successfully.

We set off at 10:00am amidst heavy rain, traversed the rough Makasa-Kampala road (under construction) up to Lukaya where we had our stop-over for some gonja. We reached Mbarara in time for our schedule radio talk show at Radio West studios. As other sat for Lunch, Lion Dr. Cillasy Tumwesigye together with Lion Venie Tinkumanya, went for the talk show where they explained Lions activities in general and the magnitude of our camp in particular. They then joined us as we got back on the journey to Bushenyi where we had scheduled to distribute sanitary pads to the girls of Nyakabanga and Kibona secondary schools.

Seven Kilometres into the journey, a speeding salon car overturned and damaged our bus but fortunately nobody was hurt in the accident including miraculously the driver of the salon car. We then began the long process of recording statements with the traffic police which lasted more than expected and we lost more time which in the end affected our program. We had to postpone the distribution of Pads to Sunday after the camp. I am glad that it was finally done successfully.

We reached at our host’s (Lions John Bosco and Mercy Ntangaare) home at about 8:00pm. We then refreshed, had tea and a brief meeting before we proceeded to dinner and retired to sleep.

It’s Saturday 20th, the day of the camp. We quickly have breakfast and head to the venue (Kyabugimbi health centre) which was about 4kms from the Ntangaare’s residence. The crowds had gathered already. We quickly set up our different registration, examination and treatment centres as well as the dispensary. Everything soon started going smoothly until the rain started pouring heavily. My surprise and challenge for the day; despite the rain, people did not leave the lines for registration, so Lions had nothing to do but run for umbrellas and continue with registration.

The numbers were overwhelming but our bigger medical team worked tirelessly and in the end, everybody was served.

(In the photo, Lions at registration overwhelmed by numbers)

The occasion was graced with the presence of the Minister of State for Health (General duties) who is also the area Member of Parliament. He congratulated Lions for the wonderful job to humanity and encouraged us to continue the service. He contributed Uganda Shillings 4.6million to support our activities.

We then wound up the day with a fellowship at the Ntangaare’s where we ate, drunk and danced to the tunes in celebration of our achievement.

(Lion Gervase dancing with guests)

Sunday morning, we had breakfast and proceeded to distribute pads at Nyakabanga secondary school where our own Lion Grace engaged the students in dance and singing before we distributed pads to the girls and left for our journey back to Kampala.

The SightFirst and Health committee on behalf of the president and the entire membership of the club, would like to thank all those who contributed in one way or the other to make this activity a success. In a special way, we thank the management of Joint Medical Stores and National Medical Stores who gave us medicine, the Management of Fly540, Millennium Tour and Travel Services and Hon. Richard Nduhura who gave us cash contributions towards our activities. We are also greatful to Dr. Charles Ibingira who helped us in transport arrangements as well us linking us to Makerere University School of Health Sciences and the Medical students who did a tremendous job at the camp. We also thank the Management of Kyabugimbi health centre who gave us the facilities and made our work easier. We cannot forget the office of the District Medical officer, Bushenyi, who supplemented our medical team with their staff. Our appreciation also go to Kampala International University, Western Campus who also supported us with their medical personnel. And to all the Lions who sacrificed time and resources to make this camp a success, we are very greatful.