Archdiocese of Mbarara Development AssociationFor the last two years, AMDA has partnered with Divine Mercy Hospital in Mbarara to provide free surgeries for children born with cleft lip and palate.
A cleft lip or palate can make feeding, speaking and everyday childhood harder and, untreated, can lead to health complications, stigma and emotional challenges. For families already struggling to make ends meet, the cost of corrective surgery is often beyond reach.
Since the programme began, more than 90 children and a few adults from across Uganda have received free surgeries. Parents describe the change: “We are now a happy family because our child was operated on free of charge. I could never have afforded the money needed for the operation,” said one mother. Others speak of children who have returned to school and play, with only a small scar remaining.
The campaign ran from September 2025 to September 2026, with transport, food and accommodation provided for patients. The partner hospital is Divine Mercy Hospital, Mbarara.