Chinese Medical Team Brings Free Healthcare to Uganda’s Remote Border District
- Chinese medical team provides free services to villagers in Kikuube.
- Residents express gratitude for the healthcare provided by the team.
- The initiative aims to serve around 1,000 people in the area.
- Collaboration between Chinese and Ugandan healthcare professionals enhances local knowledge.
- CNOOC emphasizes its commitment to local health amidst oil development.
Chinese Health Initiative in Kikuube District
In the rural district of Kikuube, Uganda, a remarkable healthcare initiative unfolded as a group of Chinese medical professionals arrived to provide free medical services to the local population. On June 27, 2025, within the confines of Buhuka Health Center III, villagers gathered in eager anticipation of the medical outreach program. This particular Chinese medical team, known as the 24th team, was made up of specialists from various fields, including cardiology and pediatrics, and was supported by over twenty Ugandan medical experts, all coming together to address health concerns in this underserved area.
Community Response and Patient Stories
For many residents like Jennifer Nyangoma, 45, this camp represented a beacon of hope. After struggling with persistent joint and back pain, Nyangoma was one of the first patients to seek help, opting for acupuncture, a treatment she was optimistic about despite previous unsuccessful attempts at other health facilities. At the same time, 30-year-old Evelyn Atuhura brought her three children, expressing gratitude towards the Chinese team for their care, stating, “The Chinese have given us treatment, and I really thank them.” This sentiment echoed among the gathering crowds, with hundreds waiting to receive consultations and interventions throughout the day.
Collaboration and Health Initiatives
Organized by the China National Offshore Oil Corporation, or CNOOC, this annual healthcare camp also fosters a vital opportunity for knowledge exchange between medical professionals. Li Yun, the head of the Chinese team, highlighted the collaborative spirit experienced with local counterparts, noting their resilience in providing healthcare despite constraints. Hu Weijie, acting president of CNOOC Uganda Limited, emphasized that this commitment to health reflects the company’s broader objectives in Uganda’s oil and gas sector. “Health is not only a basic human right,” he asserted, arguing that it builds families and supports national growth. Furthermore, initiatives like these are emblematic of China’s dedication to enhancing healthcare across Africa, as noted by Fan Xuecheng from the Chinese Embassy.
The Chinese medical team’s efforts in Uganda’s Kikuube district demonstrate a vital partnership between China and Africa, showcasing goodwill and shared medical expertise. With thousands receiving critical healthcare since this initiative began, it highlights both the importance of public health care and the commitment to improving health conditions in remote areas. As this collaboration continues, hopes rise for better health outcomes in local communities.
