Tembo Steels Joins IAU to Sponsor 50 Ugandan children for free heart surgeries in India

East Africa’s leading steel manufacturing company, Tembo Steels Uganda limited remains at the forefront of not only reshaping the construction industry, but also empowering communities.

As you read this, Tembo Steels, the most diversified, integrated company in Africa has partnered with the Indian Association of Uganda to sponsor 50 Ugandan children with life-threatening heart conditions to be taken to India to undergo free surgeries.

The initiative, also funded by the Heart Healthy Foundation, the Rotary Club of Ssese Islands, and Chennai Thiruvanmiyur, will see the children treated at Namar Health Hospital in Chennai.

At the flag off event where Tembo Steels was represented by Mr Manish Kalla, the company’s general manager, officials said surgeries will cover a wide range of cardiac interventions, including bypass procedures and abdominal valve replacements adding that this year’s group as the largest batch since the program began in 2008.

‘’At Tembo Steels, we believe true success is measured by the lives we touch and the futures we help shape. This is more than a medical mission; it’s a testament to the power of partnership and compassion. Together, we are giving these children not just treatment, but the opportunity to dream, grow, and thrive’’, said officials from Tembo.

Many of the children suffer from congenital heart defects, which, if left untreated, drastically reduce life expectancy.

At Tembo Uganda Limited, they believe that creating a strong business and building a better world are essential ingredients for their long-term success. Therefore, in addition to providing Steels products to the customers and in line with their social mission, Tembo Uganda Ltd contributes to improving the quality of life of the people in communities in Uganda.

Through their Corporate Social Investment (CSI) program, Tembo focuses on promoting Health, Education and the Environment. Some of the projects they have undertaken in the recent past include: Donations, participating in charity marathons, staging medical camps among others.

Through their targeted initiatives, Tembo endeavors to create a meaningful, positive and lasting impact, fostering a better future for individuals, businesses, and the environment alike.

Mehta Paresh, acting chairman of the Indian Association Uganda, said the surgeries, many of which are costly and out of reach for most Ugandan families, are part of their commitment to giving back to society.

“We have so many underprivileged children who need operations. This year alone, we are aiming to do 100 surgeries,” Paresh said during a press briefing in Kampala.

Kumar Sasi Nair, the Association’s secretary, said over 200 heart surgeries have already been completed under the programme, with 30 carried out since January.

“Today we are sending the first batch of 12 children. This is the biggest number we have ever sent at once,” he said.

Ronald Kusiima, whose three-year-old son is among the first group, recounted how doctors discovered the boy had a hole in his heart.

“We found out when he was six months old. He was constantly ill. I couldn’t afford the surgery, so I reached out for help. We’re grateful he was selected,” he said.

Ritah Namyalo of the Heart Healthy Foundation said the Uganda Heart Institute estimates that 16,000 children are born with congenital heart disease annually in the country. Of these, half require surgical intervention.

“Sadly, most don’t survive beyond the age of five if not treated. It’s unfortunate that we have only one heart theatre in the entire country catering to both children and adults,” Namyalo said.

She called on the Ugandan government to invest in more specialised facilities to reduce dependence on foreign care and expand local access.

The children’s departure comes as pressure mounts on the health sector to address Uganda’s limited cardiac care capacity. Advocates say localising such services would save lives and significantly reduce the burden on struggling families