At Lymphedema Warriors Association Uganda (LWAU), we are filled with deep gratitude for the overwhelming support we continue to receive from our partners and well-wishers across the globe.

Recently, we received a generous donation of compression garments an essential component in the management and treatment of lymphedema. These supplies are vital in helping our patients reduce swelling, prevent complications, and improve their overall quality of life. Even more encouraging is that this is only part of the support, with additional shipments still on the way.

Lawin carefully sorting and organizing the donated compression garments. Each item represents hope, dignity, and a step toward better health for individuals living with lymphedema in Uganda.

Access to proper lymphedema care remains a significant challenge for many patients due to limited resources and high costs of treatment. These donations directly address that gap, allowing us to reach more patients and provide them with the care they deserve.

To all our donors, partners, and supporters: thank you for standing with us. Your generosity is not only changing lives it is strengthening communities and building a future where no one is left behind in accessing essential healthcare.

We remain committed to our mission and look forward to continuing this journey together.

With gratitude,
Lymphedema Warriors Association Uganda (LWAU)

In September 2025, Lymphedema Warriors Association Uganda (LWAU) welcomed a team of international lymphoedema specialists who travelled to Uganda to support our medical camps and provide treatment to patients living with lymphoedema.

The volunteer team included practitioners from the United Kingdom and Australia who responded to our call for support through global lymphoedema networks.

The Medical Camps

Two treatment camps were organised:

• Kampala
• Busiriba Village, Kamwenge District

During these camps, more than 112 patients were assessed and treated. Many patients travelled long distances, some walking overnight, to receive care and guidance for managing their condition.

The camps focused on providing practical treatment and education for people living with lymphoedema, a chronic condition that remains largely underdiagnosed and untreated in many parts of Uganda.

Conditions TreatedThe volunteer team treated patients with different types of lymphoedema, including:

• Lymphatic Filariasis
• Podoconiosis
• Cancer-related lymphoedema
• Trauma-related swelling
• Venous-related oedema

In many cases, patients had never received specialised care before.

Treatment and Patient Education

The team provided several forms of treatment, including:

• Manual lymphatic drainage techniques
• Compression bandaging
• Wound care and skin management
• Patient education on hygiene and self-management
• Guidance on exercises and mobility

Because lymphoedema care supplies are difficult to access in Uganda, many of the materials used during the camps were brought by volunteers from abroad.

Challenges in Rural Care

The rural camp in Busiriba presented unique challenges. The treatment centre had limited access to running water and electricity, and many patients came from farming communities where access to health services is limited.

Despite these challenges, the team worked long hours to ensure every patient received care.

A Shared Mission

This collaboration highlighted the importance of global partnerships in addressing neglected tropical diseases such as lymphatic filariasis and podoconiosis.

The volunteers worked closely with the LWAU executive team, sharing knowledge and supporting the organisation’s mission of improving access to lymphoedema care in Uganda.

Looking AheadLWAU continues to work toward long-term solutions, including:

• Establishing East Africa’s first Lymphedema Rehabilitation Center
• Expanding medical camps across Uganda
• Training local healthcare workers
• Advocating for national recognition of lymphoedema care

Acknowledgment

This experience was documented by Jane Board, an independent lymphoedema nurse practitioner from the United Kingdom. Her report was published by the British Lymphology Society and highlights the impact of volunteer-led medical outreach in Uganda.

We are deeply grateful to all volunteers and partners who continue to support our mission.

Together, we are working to ensure that people living with lymphoedema in Uganda receive the care, dignity, and support they deserve.Read the full report:
Download PDF

LWAU Partners with The Lindsay Leg Club Foundation to Strengthen Lymphedema Care in Uganda

The Lymphedema Warriors Association Uganda (LWAU) is proud to announce a new international affiliation with The Lindsay Leg Club Foundation (Leg Club UK) a global leader in community-based lower limb care.
This milestone marks a major step forward in improving lymphedema care in Uganda, enhancing support for individuals living with leg ulcers, chronic swelling, and lower limb conditions.

Through this collaboration, LWAU and Leg Club will work together to:

• Expand access to high-quality lymphedema education and training in Uganda
• Strengthen evidence-based practices for managing leg ulcers and lower limb diseases
• Improve community awareness and early intervention
• Support nurses, caregivers, and patients with better resources and shared expertise
• Promote global collaboration for lower limb health in Uganda and the UK

This partnership reflects LWAU’s commitment to ensuring that people affected by lymphedema in Uganda receive dignified, holistic, and accessible care.

By joining hands with The Lindsay Leg Club Foundation, we aim to improve patient outcomes, empower communities, and advance lower limb health services across Uganda.

Together, we are building a stronger future for lymphedema awareness, treatment, and community support in Uganda.

In partnership with international and local medical experts, Lymphedema Warriors Association Uganda (LWAU) organized a series of medical and surgical camps aimed at tackling lymphedema and other neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) affecting communities across Uganda.

The results and insights from these camps have been published by Wounds International, highlighting both the achievements and the urgent need for sustainable care systems in the region.

About the Camps

The camps took place between 3rd and 20th September 2024 at Bugema University Hospital (Central Uganda) and Rukunyu Hospital, Kamwenge District (Western Uganda).

Over the two weeks, 376 patients were reached — 163 at Bugema and 213 at Kamwenge — making this one of the largest lymphedema-focused interventions ever held in the country.

Services provided included:

• Surgical interventions for advanced lymphedema cases
• Rehabilitation through compression therapy and exercise
• Manual lymphatic drainage and skincare sessions
• Health education and self-care demonstrations
• Free provision of compression materials and skincare products

These camps not only delivered life-changing treatment but also restored dignity for people living with long-neglected conditions.

Key Insights

• Gender: 74% of participants were women, revealing both the higher disease burden among women and their active engagement in seeking care.
• Age: The majority of patients were over 35 years old, though younger patients (11–35 years) were also represented.
• Challenges:
  • Limited follow-up systems post-camp
  • Gaps in specialized equipment and training
  • Transportation and coordination difficulties in rural areas

Despite these challenges, the camps showcased what collaboration, compassion, and community leadership can achieve.

Why This Matters

Lymphedema, elephantiasis, and podoconiosis remain under-recognized and under-treated across Uganda and East Africa.
These conditions not only cause physical disability but also deep emotional and social stigma.

By combining medical care, education, and advocacy, LWAU and its partners are helping patients regain hope — and drawing national attention to these neglected diseases.

The Road Ahead

The report emphasizes the importance of sustainability and local capacity building:

• Extend the duration and reach of medical camps
• Establish regional rehabilitation centers for ongoing care
• Train more local healthcare professionals in lymphedema management
• Strengthen partnerships with government and international bodies

LWAU is already working toward the creation of Uganda’s first Lymphedema Rehabilitation Centre — a permanent home for treatment, training, and research.

How You Can Support

You can help continue this impact by:

• Donating to support rehabilitation center development and future camps
• Partnering with us on upcoming NTD interventions
• Sharing awareness to make lymphedema visible and understood

Together, we can make Uganda a regional model for lymphedema and NTD care.

Read the full publication:
Wounds International Journal Article

On 15th and 16th August 2025, the Lymphedema Warriors Association Uganda (LWAU) successfully held a free medical camp at Rehab Clinic, Naalya, dedicated to creating awareness, providing care, and supporting patients living with lymphedema and related conditions.

This important milestone would not have been possible without the generous support of our partners, particularly the Rotary Club of Namugongo.

The Rotary Club’s contribution went beyond financial assistance it represented solidarity and compassion towards a community that is often overlooked. Their support helped us provide medical assessments, distribute essential supplies, and educate both patients and caregivers on better management of lymphedema.

For many participants, this was the first time lymphedema was openly discussed in a public medical setting, giving them hope and confidence that they are not alone in this fight.

At LWAU, we believe that the journey to awareness, treatment, and advocacy for people affected by lymphedema is not an easy one. But with partners like the Rotary Club of Namugongo walking alongside us, we are certain that together, we can reach further, create impact, and change lives.

We extend our deepest gratitude to the Rotary family for joining us in this mission.
Your support is a beacon of hope, and we look forward to continued collaboration in empowering lymphedema warriors across Uganda.

Together, we rise. Together, we fight. Together, we win.

Access to early diagnosis of lymphedema remains a major barrier for thousands of Ugandans living with chronic swelling and lymphatic disorders. In response, the Lymphedema Warriors Association Uganda (LWAU) has signed a new partnership agreement with The Rehab Clinic Uganda, a center for physiotherapy and rehabilitation.

This partnership aims to bring lymphedema diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up care closer to patients and communities. Through joint medical camps, education outreach, and integrated rehabilitation services, the collaboration will empower patients, caregivers, and health workers with tools for early intervention and sustainable care.

Strengthening Lymphatic Health Across Africa

We are thrilled to announce that Kerelous George Estfanous has officially joined the Lymphedema Warriors Association Uganda (LWAU) as our Medical Consultant and International Advisor.

Kerelous brings with him a wealth of experience as a Certified Lymphedema Therapist, Physical Therapist, Author, International Lecturer, and Founder of the International Lymphedema Centers (ILC). His voluntary appointment is a significant step forward for our work as we continue to raise awareness and improve care for people living with lymphedema and other lymphatic conditions in Uganda and across Africa.

“As someone with Egyptian roots, I’m honored to give back to the continent I call home. This collaboration is about more than sharing knowledge it’s about working together, learning from each other, and creating meaningful impact,” says Kerelous.

With his support and expertise, this partnership will help LWAU to:

• Develop personalized and conservative treatment protocols
• Provide training and mentorship for upcoming healthcare professionals
• Expand public awareness and educational outreach
• Create lasting change in communities most affected by lymphedema

We are incredibly grateful to Kerelous for joining hands with us and believing in our mission. His presence strengthens our commitment to building a more inclusive, informed, and empowered lymphatic care movement across the continent.

Please join us in giving a warm welcome to Kerelous George Estfanous together, we are stronger!

#LWAU #LymphedemaUganda #LymphaticHealth #GlobalPartnership #ILC #UnitedForAfrica

We are honored to share a pivotal moment in our journey to improve lymphedema care in Uganda and across Africa.

Recently, we had the profound privilege of spending time with Professor Christine Moffatt, a globally respected expert in lymphatic health and chronic wound care. As a pioneer in lymphedema research and education, her insights and passion are shaping the global landscape of care for people living with lymphatic diseases.

This encounter was more than a meeting it was a catalyst for powerful collaborations.

New Partnerships Forged
Together with Ehud Disability Foundation, Ruhepai, and the Lymphedema Warriors Association Uganda (LWAU), we are expanding a united front for improved healthcare delivery for lymphedema patients in Uganda. These partnerships are rooted in shared values of inclusion, advocacy, and sustainable access to treatment.

Supporting Patients with Medical Supplies
In a tangible show of solidarity, medical supplies were donated to several lymphedema patients a critical step toward relieving the burden of this lifelong condition. Access to proper compression garments and hygiene products can significantly improve quality of life for those affected.

This is not just a win for our organizations, but a beacon of hope for thousands living with undiagnosed and untreated lymphedema in Africa. We are committed to amplifying awareness, promoting early detection, and ensuring that lymphedema treatment in Uganda becomes more accessible and effective.

Looking Ahead
With the support of global experts and local leaders, our mission grows stronger. As we continue building momentum, we invite more partners to join us in transforming lymphedema care in Africa.

Together, we can ensure that no patient is left behind.

We’re thrilled to celebrate Kushaba Lawin, founder of Lymphedema Warriors Association Uganda, on her appointment as Chair of the LE&RN Uganda Chapter!

Her tireless advocacy, personal strength, and unwavering commitment to empowering people living with lymphedema in Uganda and beyond continue to inspire us all.

This is a huge milestone not only for her, but for the entire lymphedema community in Uganda. We are excited for all the progress ahead under her leadership!

The commitment to tackling lymphedema in Uganda received a significant boost through a dynamic partnership with Bugema University. This collaboration was powerfully demonstrated as Bugema University hosted the first National World Lymphedema Day Celebrations in Uganda.Observed globally on March 6th each year, World Lymphedema Day serves as a crucial platform to raise awareness about the condition. Bugema University’s hosting of this inaugural national event marked a significant milestone in Uganda’s efforts to address lymphedema. This landmark event followed Bugema University Hospital’s remarkable achievement of conducting three free lymphedema health camps, providing treatment to hundreds of patients, and achieving a groundbreaking feat: performing the first successful lymphedema surgeries in Africa. These surgeries were made possible through a collaborative effort involving German doctors and the newly formed Lymphedema Warriors Association Uganda. The national celebration brought together government officials, healthcare professionals, and individuals affected by lymphedema. The event served as a vital platform to foster collaboration, develop strategies to improve access to lymphedema care nationwide, and bring crucial attention to a condition often overlooked or misdiagnosed. Furthermore, it provided a much-needed space for individuals with lymphedema to share their experiences, connect with others who understand their challenges, and access vital support networks.

 Expanding Reach Through Medical Camps

Beyond the national celebrations and groundbreaking surgeries, the Lymphedema Warriors Association Uganda is actively reaching communities across the country. The association has successfully carried out vital medical camps in Kawenge, providing essential care and support to patients in the region. Building on this success, LWAU is committed to conducting annual medical camps in different regions of Uganda. Looking ahead, the association has planned upcoming medical camps in August and September, aiming to reach even more individuals in need. These camps will offer crucial services such as diagnosis, education on self-management, compression therapy guidance, and referrals for further treatment.