Chinese Medical Team Brings Free Healthcare to Rural Uganda

• A Chinese medical team provided free healthcare in Kikuube, Uganda.
• The team included various specialists and over 20 Ugandan health professionals.
• Hundreds of villagers received medical care, including acupuncture treatments.
• CNOOC Uganda Limited sponsored the health camp as part of community outreach efforts.
• This initiative reflects ongoing public health cooperation between China and Uganda.

Free Medical Camp in Kikuube Provides Lifesaving Care

In Kikuube, Uganda on June 28, 2025, a free medical camp organized by a Chinese medical team brought much-needed healthcare services to this remote region, much to the delight of its residents. The healthcare outreach, which was weeks in the making, featured a team of doctors traveling from Kampala, a distance exceeding 300 kilometers. This diverse group included cardiologists, pediatricians, general surgeons, acupuncture specialists, as well as public health experts from the 24th Chinese medical team, and they partnered with over 20 Ugandan medical professionals at Buhuka Health Center III, serving a community of over 10,000 people.

Community Response and Impact

Jennifer Nyangoma, a 45-year-old local resident, was among the very first individuals to arrive at the camp. After a thorough examination, she received a diagnosis that led to a recommendation for acupuncture, a traditional treatment she hoped would relieve her persistent joint and back pain. Similar stories emerged as the day progressed; hundreds were present by midday, such as 30-year-old Evelyn Atuhura, who spoke with gratitude about the treatment her children were receiving. “By 7 a.m. I was preparing my children to come here. The Chinese doctors have treated us well, and I am very thankful for their help,” she expressed, clutching the medication she received. The atmosphere in the waiting area was filled with hope as Linard Kule, the acting head of the health center, noted that this initiative not only provides essential care but also facilitates valuable exchanges between Chinese and Ugandan health professionals.

Building Partnerships for Health and Wellbeing

The Chinese medical team’s mission, which aims to serve roughly 1,000 individuals during this free camp, reflects more than just healthcare delivery; it seeks to foster collaboration and knowledge sharing among medical professionals. Dr. Li Yun, the head of the team, emphasized the importance of learning from their Ugandan colleagues while acknowledging the challenges they face in providing care with limited resources. Hu Weijie, acting president of CNOOC Uganda Limited, remarked on the initiative’s significance, stating, “Health is not just a basic human right, but it serves as the cornerstone for strong families and productive communities.” Public health cooperation like this is deeply rooted in the strategic partnership between China and Uganda, originally outlined at the 2024 Beijing Summit for China-Africa Cooperation.

The recent medical outreach organized by a Chinese team in Uganda underscores a commitment to providing essential healthcare to underserved regions. With over 1,000 people expected to benefit from the initiative, the collaborative effort between Chinese and Ugandan healthcare professionals not only addresses immediate health concerns but also represents a dedication to long-term partnerships. As highlighted by CNOOC’s ongoing initiatives, the focus on health as a fundamental human right is crucial for the development of sustainable communities.