I used to think that free medical camps were inefficient, taking up valuable time and resources without offering lasting impact for the Gospel.
But my perspective changed after talking with Dr Mike (not his real name), who was organising a medical camp in his village. He invited my team to offer free counselling services, but I confessed my doubts about the effectiveness of one-day treatments without follow-up care. It did not make sense at all.
Dr Mike paused, then explained that true healing often begins with someone understanding their health and learning how to manage it well. He shared that knowledge itself can bring deep psychological healing and that many conditions are better addressed through lifestyle changes than by medication alone. His words challenged me.
In Uganda, where poverty makes access to medical care difficult, his approach of teaching as well as treating opened my eyes. Inspired by Dr Mike, I began organising medical camps in my community in 2011, working with volunteer medics to provide free services. Our most recent camp in July served 1,460 people – children, young people and adults from many backgrounds.
One moment still moves me deeply. A young boy named Salim (not his real name) came from the streets of Kampala. After receiving treatment for his wounds, a hot meal and a haircut, he said quietly, “I now know God loves me and cares for me.”
I may never see Salim again, but I hold on to the truth that God watches over him and will one day place him in a loving family, away from the harsh streets.
These encounters remind me of the healing Jesus offered to those He met – the woman who had been bleeding for 12 years, the man waiting by the pool and others who were made whole in a single meeting. Jesus did not always see them again, yet their stories live on. In the same way, our simple acts of service – done quietly, without fanfare – can leave a lasting mark.
Healing, after all, is not only physical. It is also emotional, spiritual and communal. When we show up to serve, to listen and to bring care, we join in God’s work of restoration.
Looking ahead, Smile Charity Uganda plans another medical camp in July 2026. Whether you join a camp like ours or simply take to your street today with bin bags, biscuits or brooms, let your generosity bring healing. Just show up and do good. That’s generosity at its best.
Alex Gift Ngabonziza
CEO and Founder, Smile Charity Uganda
Reflect
‘“For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was ill and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.”
‘Then the righteous will answer him, “Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? When did we see you ill or in prison and go to visit you?”
‘The King will reply, “Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.”’
Matthew 25:35-40
Pray
- Pray to see Jesus in the people you serve today.
- Ask God for strength to show up and do good without fanfare.
- Thank Him that small acts of service can carry His love and healing.
Act
A generosity challenge for you to complete today:
| Take to your street today with bin bags, biscuits or brooms. Clean up, bless a neighbour or offer a small act of service. No fanfare. Just show up and do good. That’s generosity at its best. |
About Smile Charity Uganda
Smile Charity Uganda empowers disadvantaged children, young people and women by strengthening families and the local church. Through education, discipleship, evangelism and community outreach, the charity helps rebuild lives and bring lasting transformation across Uganda.
