From Vaticannews · Vatican News · · 1m 30s
Twelve years of free clinics in rural Uganda
A lay Catholic association from Kampala buses doctors into western Uganda every year, and the medical camp is only half the point.
In brief
A lay Catholic association from Kampala buses doctors into western Uganda every year, and the medical camp is only half the point. The Caravan works because it adds capacity where care is hard to reach, then hands serious cases back to the hospitals that already exist. Originally reported by Vaticannews.
Doctors arrive by bus
Medical staff under AMDA travelled from Kampala to St. Claret Parish, Nyabwina, in four buses plus private cars, for a three-day free health outreach from 4 to 6 September 2026.
Who AMDA actually is
The Archdiocese of Mbarara Development Association unites Catholics from Mbarara who live in and around Kampala. It raises money, funds local projects and backs infrastructure across the archdiocese.
More than a medical camp
Organisers see the outreach as a way to build relationships, not just treat patients. Free camps, dental care and eye surgeries are the visible part of a wider effort.
“People will be talking about the medical camp, but beyond the medical camp, there is so much interaction intended to transform society”
Lay people and sisters together
The teams mix lay medics with religious sisters in the profession. Uganda's government, partner organisations and some security agencies send specialised teams to strengthen the effort.
Open to everyone
Care is given regardless of faith or affiliation. Members, volunteers and partners donate the funds, medicines, equipment and time that make each camp possible.
Not a replacement hospital
Organisers stress the camps extend care into communities rather than substitute for clinics, and refer serious cases on. Bishop Callistus Rubaramira called the twelfth Caravan a journey of generosity.
“a journey of generosity”
The key point
The Caravan works because it adds capacity where care is hard to reach, then hands serious cases back to the hospitals that already exist.
