In the last week of February 2026, Galilee Health Institute and RUN Foundation Uganda had the privilege of hosting Dr. Jeff Luzader, a senior endodontist and long-standing partner whose commitment to healthcare education and community service continues to make a lasting difference. His visit from 22nd to 26th February 2026 became a powerful week of mentorship, professional training, community engagement, and healthcare outreach, bringing together students, dental professionals, and members of the surrounding community.
The week began on Sunday, 22nd February, with a fellowship service at Galilee Health Institute attended by students, staff, families, and friends of the institute, along with members from All Saints Church Nakasero. The service was led by Ordinand Charity and Mr. Steven, while Mr. Wasswa Paul delivered a message encouraging faith, service, and dedication to transforming communities. The gathering set a meaningful spiritual tone for the days ahead and concluded with a time of fellowship over breakfast.
The following day marked a major highlight of the visit as Dr. Jeff Luzader facilitated a specialized Endodontic Training Program for dental professionals and students. Participants from several institutions attended the training, eager to learn from a seasoned practitioner in modern endodontic care. Although attendance started modestly in the morning, the room quickly filled, reaching over 80 participants by mid-morning. Across the sessions, participants explored key aspects of endodontic diagnosis and treatment planning while engaging actively with the facilitator through questions and discussion.
The training continued the next day with an even larger group of participants. The morning session focused on further theoretical instruction, while the afternoon transitioned into hands-on clinical training at the institute’s dental clinic. Under the mentorship of Dr. Luzader and other dental doctors, participants observed and practiced practical clinical techniques, gaining valuable experience that strengthened their confidence and professional competence. By the end of the program, 87 participants—10 dental professionals and 77 dental students—had successfully completed the training and received certificates recognizing their participation.
Beyond professional training, the week also emphasized community engagement and partnership. On Wednesday, 25th February, the institute hosted a 6.4-kilometer community marathon in honor of Dr. Jeff Luzader. The run brought together 70 participants, including students and community members, in an event designed to promote oral health awareness while strengthening community involvement. The race concluded with prizes awarded to the top runners, including a goat for the first-place winner, while participation incentives were provided to encourage community involvement.
Following the marathon, an important milestone for the institute was celebrated with the official commissioning of the Mr. and Mrs. Luzader Main Library. The new library represents a significant step forward in strengthening the academic resources available to students and faculty. Guests present at the ceremony were given a tour of the facility, marking the beginning of a learning space that will serve future generations of healthcare professionals.
Later that same day, the focus shifted from education to direct service through a community medical outreach camp organized in partnership with RUN Foundation Uganda. The outreach brought together a multidisciplinary team of healthcare professionals who provided free medical services to the surrounding community. By the end of the day, more than 200 patients had been registered and served.
Dental services formed a major part of the outreach, with a team of dental officers, hygienists, and technologists providing treatments such as tooth extractions, restorations, teeth cleaning, and replacement of missing teeth, serving 120 patients. Eye care services, led by an ophthalmic officer, included eye examinations, medication prescriptions, and distribution of corrective eyeglasses, assisting 71 patients. Additional support was provided through laboratory diagnostics as well as general medical consultations, treatment, and referrals conducted by medical doctors, clinical officers, and nurses.
The visit concluded on Thursday, 26th February, with an institutional engagement trip to Kabale, where Dr. Jeff Luzader joined Dr. Brian and members of the institute in further partnership activities.
Looking back, the week stood as a powerful reminder of what can be achieved through meaningful partnerships and shared commitment to service. Students gained valuable mentorship and practical experience, dental professionals strengthened their clinical knowledge, and hundreds of community members received essential healthcare services they might otherwise have struggled to access.
RUN Foundation Uganda and Galilee Health Institute remain deeply grateful to Dr. Jeff Luzader for his continued friendship, mentorship, and dedication to advancing healthcare education and community health. His visit not only strengthened professional training but also demonstrated how compassion, collaboration, and service can transform both learning institutions and the communities they serve.
