Lacor Hospital, a place of hope and healing, has been the home for Surgery for Children (SFC) camp for nearly two decades. This year, the camp returned once again, bringing life-changing surgeries to children and families in one of Uganda’s most underserved regions.
Led by Dr. Surgio and Dr. Bruno, the SFC team—made up of doctors, nurses, and volunteers—has been performing corrective surgeries since 2006 for children born with conditions like hypospadias and anorectal malformations. What started as a small effort with just six patients has grown into a mission that helps hundreds every year.
This year’s camp began with urgency. Ten days before the surgeons arrived, preparations were underway, and the hospital was already beeming with patients who resided at Gang Welo (waiting home).
When the 25-member team landed on Saturday, they got straight to work the next. On Sunday, they had a successful operation on a tiny 1.45 kg premature baby from Nwoya. The next day, they performed another critical surgery on a two-day-old baby who needed two operations in the earliest days of life. These early surgeries set the pace for the team’s tireless efforts to help as many patients as possible.
Dr. Bruno shared that the team continued using laparoscopy, a minimally invasive technique that is used for kinds of abdominal and pelvic conditions. It involves making small incisions and using a camera and specialized instruments to perform surgeries with less trauma compared to open surgery. From newborns to a 24-year-old man, the camp addressed a wide range of cases, showcasing the team’s skill and dedication.
However, challenges remained. The growing number of patients needing surgeries in a general hospital, rather than a specialized pediatric facility, put pressure on the team. Dr. Surgio noted the overwhelming demand, especially with few surgeons available. This year, the team got help from three external surgeons: Dr. Peter Kahima from Kampala, Dr. Charles Odongo (the only pediatric surgeon in Northern Uganda), and Dr. Aleni Karol from Kenya. Their support was crucial in meeting the community’s needs.
By the end of the three-week camp, the team had operated on 140 patients. Each surgery brought hope and a chance for a better future. For the people of Northern Uganda, Lacor Hospital is more than just a hospital—it’s a place where miracles happen, thanks to the hard work of selfless individuals like Dr. Surgio, Dr. Bruno, and their team.
As the 2025 SFC camp wrapped up, the gratitude of families and the smiles of the healing children reminded us why this mission is so important. The Surgery for Children camp isn’t just about surgeries—it’s about restoring hope, one child at a time.
One thing is certain: they’ll be back next year, ready to do it all over again. Because every child deserves a chance to live, to thrive, and to dream. Surgery for Children is making sure that that dream becomes a reality.
