MBARARA: Mulenge Community Receives Free Medical Care Amid Health Access Outcry
Mulenge community with Bishop Kagira
By Amos Tayebwa
Mbarara
More than 100 vulnerable Banyamulenge refugees living in Kokoba, Mbarara City South Division, have received free medical services after raising concerns over limited access to healthcare.
The beneficiaries, drawn from the Mulenge community, gathered earlier this week at Tabitha New Life Ministries International Church in Mbarara for a two-day medical outreach organized by Ankore Old Persons Foundation.
The camp offered a range of services including health screening, counselling, and free medication. The initiative was led by the foundation’s founder, Bishop Jolly Kagira.
Kagira said the outreach is part of the foundation’s broader mission to support elderly and vulnerable populations, including refugees who often struggle to access essential services.
“Being a refugee is not a crime. These are human beings who deserve equal treatment. We should not segregate them in health facilities. Tomorrow, anyone can find themselves in such a situation,” she said, calling on government and NGOs to support similar interventions.
Dr. Abiaz Mulindwa, a medical personnel with the foundation, revealed that many patients from the community suffer from conditions such as prostate complications (BPH), endometriosis among older women, ulcers, and urinary tract infections largely linked to poor sanitation and lack of access to medical care.
He added that language barriers and their refugee status often hinder them from receiving proper attention in government health facilities.
Rev. Joseph Mugabe, coordinator of foreign churches in the Ankole region and a member of the Banyamulenge community, said poverty remains a major obstacle to accessing private healthcare.
“Our people fled conflict in our home country and settled here, but life is still very difficult. Many cannot afford treatment, and our elderly are dying because of lack of care. We appeal to the government to give special attention to our community,” Mugabe said.
The community is now urging authorities to address systemic barriers and ensure equitable healthcare access for all, regardless of nationality or background.
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