Health 4 September 2026 Daily Monitor (Uganda)
Bugiri Hospital Faces Overwhelm Amidst Surge in Eye Disease Cases
Bugiri General Hospital is struggling to cope with a significant increase in eye disease patients, exacerbated by a severe shortage of eye specialists and limited resources. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/national/bugiri-hospital-overwhelmed-by-rising-eye-disease-cases-5580288
Health workers in Bugiri District are facing an escalating challenge as eye disease cases, particularly those linked to infections, diabetes, and high blood pressure, continue to rise. The situation has led to some patients experiencing irreversible vision loss, according to specialists at Bugiri General Hospital.
A recent eye screening exercise organized by Bugiri Sugar Company saw over 570 patients present for care, overwhelming the limited medical staff. Barbara Nankwanga, an eye specialist at the hospital, noted that many patients already had advanced, untreatable vision problems due to poorly managed chronic conditions.
“We are overwhelmed by the number of patients, but we are doing our best to attend to them,” Nankwanga stated, urging individuals with eye concerns to visit the hospital during weekdays for assessment and advice.
The district faces a critical shortage of eye specialists, hindering effective service delivery. Nankwanga appealed to the government to recruit more specialists and urged development partners to provide essential equipment, including testing machines, glasses, and medicines, to bolster eye care services.
Nankwanga also advised residents on preventative measures, emphasizing the importance of a diet rich in vitamins A, C, and E, while cautioning against excessive consumption of oil, sugar, and sweets, which can contribute to poor eye health and potentially vision loss.
In response to the growing concern, Martha Namboozo, the district secretary for health and education, pledged to raise the specialist shortage at the next district council meeting. The district plans to organize a health camp before the end of the month to offer specialized eye care.
Bugiri Sugar Company highlighted its commitment to community health, noting that the screening exercise was a direct response to the hospital’s concerns about the increasing patient load. The company believes that improved health among sugarcane farmers directly impacts their productivity.