8 more Ugandans to benefit from heart surgery drive

In a life-changing initiative, the Indian Association of Ugandans (UIA) has partnered with the Kampala Sesse Island Rotary Club to offer hope to a total of 75 heart patients in Uganda. 

The patients, including children as young as one year, have been sponsored for life-saving surgery in India - a vital step toward reducing the staggering 345 deaths caused by heart-related conditions each year in Uganda.

The faces of parents and caretakers, like Michael Mugabi from Mbale district and Akello Pasca, were filled with smiles as they watched their children, aged 1 to 14, play, laugh and enjoy breakfast - just like any other day.

These children, some of whom were even seen playfully interacting with their parents at a media briefing at Katikati Restaurant in Kampala on March 3, 2025, are now receiving a second chance at life.

"The treatment costs range from $3,000 to $5,000 per patient, but expenses often exceed expectations. For instance, one patient was found to be suffering from Spina Bifida, requiring corrective treatment before addressing the heart condition," Raju Sareen, the chairperson of UIA, said.

He also emphasized that it's not just the patients who need attention, but the caretakers must also be supported throughout the process. They are also monitored for a duration after the operation.

David Kintu of the Kampala Sesse Island Rotary Club shared plans for the future, stating that they aim to bring heart surgeons from India to train their Ugandan counterparts right here in Uganda.

"With the Heart Clinic now operating in Mulago, this approach will be more sustainable and affordable than sending patients to India," Kintu explained. "The number of patients who cannot afford the treatment is on the rise, and we’re committed to finding long-term solutions."

The moment was filled with the joyful ululations of an overjoyed mother, Akello, who had spent countless nights waking up to check if her baby was still breathing.

"With this treatment, my baby now has a license to live!" Akello exclaimed, her voice filled with emotion.

Mugabo Michael, a father from Mbale, said had nearly lost hope of raising the shillings 15 million needed to send his son to India for treatment.

"I felt like I should video record every second of my son's life, afraid that at any moment his heart might stop beating," Mugabo confessed, his voice heavy with the pain of uncertainty.

The eldest patient, Adam Katerega, 12, was excited about the first flight in his life from Entebbe to India. He wants to sit near the window to see how the world looks from above.

The UIA Community mobiliser Paresh Metha says the current benefactors destined to India are eight in addition to the 67 predecessors.