HEART OF TEXAS BLESSING TO KOOKI
In 2025, Operation International’s Team Heart of Texas completed its inaugural surgical mission to Rakai, Uganda, following a historic partnership with Kamuswaga, the King of the Kooki Kingdom.
The following article details this mission, which focused on advanced ENT care and sustainable hospital infrastructure.
A Royal Invitation for Healing: Team Heart of Texas in Rakai
The medical landscape of Rakai underwent a transformation in 2025 when the dedicated professionals of Team Heart of Texas arrived at Rakai General Hospital. This specialized surgical mission was the culmination of a burgeoning international partnership between the philanthropic organization and the Kooki Kingdom. Central to this collaboration was the vision of His Royal Highness the Kamuswaga, who personally invited the team to serve his people.
The King’s relationship with Operation International began years prior when he witnessed the organization’s unique commitment to providing high-level surgical infrastructure rather than just basic aid. He was particularly impressed by the arrival of shipping containers filled with advanced medical equipment, which preceded the volunteer teams. This established a foundation of trust that allowed the 2025 mission to achieve unprecedented levels of patient engagement and care.
Founded in 2024 by Dr. Evan Longfield and Dr. Ryan Raju, Team Heart of Texas was formed specifically to address the surgical vacuum in East Africa. These specialists brought world-class expertise in Otolaryngology (ENT) and Head and Neck surgery to a region where such care is virtually nonexistent. Their mission was clear: to perform complex operations for those who had lived in pain and disfigurement for decades.
Upon their arrival, the team was met with an overwhelming crowd of patients who had traveled from across the Kooki Kingdom and beyond. Many had heard of the King’s endorsement and the expertise of the American doctors, leading some to camp on the hospital grounds for days. The medical staff quickly established a triage system to identify the most critical surgical candidates among the hundreds seeking help.
The primary focus of the 2025 mission was the treatment of massive thyroid goiters, a condition endemic to Rakai due to widespread iodine deficiency. These goiters often grow to such a size that they compress the windpipe and esophagus, making breathing and swallowing difficult. For the people of Rakai, these surgeries were not merely cosmetic but life-saving interventions that restored basic bodily functions.
In just one week of intensive work, the team performed a remarkable 86 surgeries. Each procedure was a complex undertaking, often involving the careful dissection of tumors away from vital nerves and blood vessels in the neck. The surgeons worked 16-hour days, fueled by a shared commitment to maximize their impact before their scheduled departure.
Beyond thyroid cases, Team Heart of Texas addressed a variety of other head and neck conditions, including the removal of keloids and benign tumors. They also treated pediatric patients, providing corrective surgeries that gave children a chance at a normal life without the stigma of deformity. The presence of specialized nurse practitioners and CRNAs ensured that every patient received expert anesthesia and post-operative monitoring.
A defining characteristic of this mission was the focus on sustainability and hospital capacity building. The team did not just operate; they donated vital medical equipment, including anesthesia machines, to Rakai General Hospital. This contribution was designed to ensure that local doctors could continue to provide safe surgical care long after the Texas team returned home.
Education played a pivotal role in the mission’s daily activities, as the American specialists worked side-by-side with local Ugandan surgeons. This hands-on training transferred advanced techniques for managing complex neck dissections and airway emergencies. The goal was to empower the local medical community, turning Rakai General Hospital into a regional hub for surgical excellence.
The partnership with the Kooki Kingdom was celebrated through community events hosted by the King himself. These gatherings allowed the medical team to experience the rich culture of the Kooki people and hear directly from those whose lives had been changed. The Kamuswaga’s active involvement highlighted the mission as a project of national importance for the kingdom.
In addition to their work in the operating theater, the team dedicated time to visit local orphanages supported by Operation International. They brought donations of clothes, toys, and educational supplies to children who have been impacted by the region’s history of disease and poverty. This holistic approach addressed the social needs of the community alongside their physical health requirements.
The emotional impact of the mission was profound, both for the patients and the volunteers. Many patients expressed their gratitude through traditional songs and dances, celebrating the “miracles” performed by the surgical team. For the members of Team Heart of Texas, these interactions provided a powerful reminder of the global need for accessible healthcare.
The 2025 mission also served as a critical preparation phase for future engagements in the region. By documenting the specific needs of the hospital and the prevalence of various conditions, the team was able to refine their strategy for subsequent trips. This long-term planning is a hallmark of Operation International’s strategy to create permanent medical improvements.
The King of Kooki’s vision for a modernized healthcare system in his kingdom moved several steps closer to reality through this mission. His leadership in inviting international experts demonstrated a proactive approach to solving the health crises facing his subjects. The success of the 2025 mission has since served as a blueprint for other regional leaders in Uganda.
As the mission concluded, the lasting legacy of the Team Heart of Texas was not just the 86 successful surgeries but the renewed hope they left behind. The anesthesia machines they installed and the training they provided continue to benefit the patients of Rakai every day. The bond between Texas and the Kooki Kingdom has become a bridge for ongoing humanitarian exchange.
Looking ahead, Team Heart of Texas is already preparing for their second mission to Rakai in May 2026. This follow-up trip will aim to expand on the successes of 2025 by bringing even more specialized equipment and advanced surgical techniques. The team plans to further increase the hospital’s capacity to handle complex head and neck trauma and oncology cases.
The 2026 mission will also continue to support the local schools and orphanages that are central to the Kooki community’s future. By providing for the basic needs and education of the region’s orphans, the team helps break the cycle of poverty that often leads to health crises. This multi-faceted approach remains at the core of their service philosophy.
The ongoing support of the Kamuswaga and the people of the Kooki Kingdom remains essential to these efforts. Their hospitality and cooperation have made Rakai one of the most successful bases for Operation International in Africa. This royal invitation has indeed opened the doors to a new era of medical advancement for the region.
For those inspired by this work, the Team Heart of Texas continues to seek support and donations to fund their upcoming 2026 mission. Every contribution goes directly toward medical supplies and the logistics required to bring life-saving surgery to those in need. The story of Rakai is still being written, with each mission adding a new chapter of healing.
In conclusion, the 2025 mission of Team Heart of Texas stands as a testament to the power of international collaboration. By combining the royal authority of the Kooki Kingdom with the surgical expertise of Texas doctors, a significant impact was made on the health of thousands. This partnership continues to shine as a beacon of humanitarian success in the heart of Africa.
