AMDA Applauds Members and Partners After a Successful Eleventh Caravan

The Archdiocese of Mbarara Development Association once again demonstrated its commitment to community service through the Eleventh Annual Caravan held in the parishes of Kibona and Nyamitanga in Mbarara District. The caravan, held in late August 2025, brought together hundreds of members, partners, and professionals united by a shared goal of serving, healing, and empowering communities.
Speaking at the partners’ appreciation event, the Association Chairperson, Mr. Chris Gumisiriza, reaffirmed AMDA’s dedication to a holistic transformation anchored in faith and collective responsibility.
“Every year we return to our home parishes to offer services that uplift community welfare,” he noted. “Our activities range from medical camps and education to mindset change and economic empowerment. This year, we required around UGX 500 million shillings to run the Caravan successfully, and through the generosity of AMDA members and partner organizations, we achieved this goal.”
Mr. Gumisiriza made these remarks during an appreciation dinner on Friday evening, during which donors and partners were recognized for their vital contributions. He also announced that preparations for the next Caravan had already begun, scheduled to take place in Nyabwina Parish.
One of the most impactful components of this year’s Caravan was the Medical Camp, which provided specialized healthcare to more than 5,430 patients across multiple disciplines. The camp brought together doctors, nurses, and volunteers committed to extending quality healthcare to underserved communities. Under the Health and Wellness programme, participants received free consultations and health education sessions. Specialized care was provided in ophthalmology, cardiology, dental health, pediatrics, cancer screening, gynecology, orthopedics, psychiatry, and laboratory diagnostics.
A key highlight of the Medical Camp was the introduction of reconstructive surgeries for children with cleft lip and cleft palate deformities. In partnership with Divine Mercy Medical Team, forty children received life-changing surgeries that restored confidence and hope to their families.
In the ophthalmology department, 785 people were screened. Forty of them underwent cataract surgery, while 413 received reading glasses. The cardiology unit attended to 269 patients, performed 169 ECGs and 85 ECHOs, and identified 11 cases requiring advanced care.
The dental team treated 358 patients. The cancer screening unit reached 494 individuals, detecting several early-stage conditions. The ENT and Audiology team screened 107 people and provided 6 with hearing aids, while the pediatric unit cared for 286 children.
Overall, six hundred thirty-three laboratory tests were conducted for infections such as malaria and HIV. In addition, 231 units of blood were donated, providing valuable support to regional health facilities.
“While government has invested in health infrastructure, there remains an urgent need to strengthen human resources so that these systems function effectively,” Mr. Gumisiriza emphasized.
This year’s Medical Camp was supported by more than ninety partners. National Medical Stores served as the chief donor, providing essential medical supplies and logistical support that greatly enhanced service delivery.
Beyond health, the Caravan also placed strong emphasis on mindset change and community empowerment.
According to the AMDA Coordinator for Kibona Parish, Mr. David Mugisha, the outreach sparked significant shifts in attitudes toward agriculture, family life, and self-reliance.
“Community members learned modern farming techniques, including improved methods for storing animal feeds, sustainable agricultural practices, and the adoption of technologies that enhance productivity,” he explained.
The Caravan left a lasting physical impact on Kibona Vocational School, which hosted most of the activities. AMDA constructed eight new bathrooms, renovated existing latrines, and installed two five-thousand-litre water tanks, effectively addressing the school’s water challenges.
In addition, seedlings of Hass avocado and coffee were distributed, enabling the community to plant more than five thousand trees. “Kibona now looks green,” Mr. Mugisha said with pride. “We are improving livelihoods while promoting environmental conservation.”
The Caravan also inspired the establishment of a community health facility under Kibona Parish. AMDA renovated an existing hall, transforming it into a functional clinic complete with partitions for wards and consultation rooms. The facility was equipped with eleven mattresses, one hospital bed, essential starter medicines, and renovation funding.
“We are proud to say that Kibona now has its first parish-based health facility,” Mr. Mugisha noted. “This is a lasting legacy of the AMDA Caravan.”
The caravan also addressed social challenges through family and youth empowerment and legal sessions focused on strengthening marriages, promoting wills and property planning, preventing substance abuse, and encouraging children to pursue education.
“Some outcomes cannot be measured immediately, but the transformation is evident in the community’s mindset and behavior,” Mr. Mugisha reflected.