Published on 09/12/2025
The Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF) is midway through a major medical outreach in Kabale, Rukiga and Rubanda Districts as activities to mark the 45th Tarehe Sita Anniversary continue. The program, now six days into its schedule, has already provided free medical services to more than 10,000 residents.
The outreach featured static, surgical and mobile teams offering a wide range of services, including dental care, eye clinics, cervical cancer screening, TB screening, obstetrics and gynaecology, general surgery, HIV testing, and health education.
Brig Gen Dr Patrick Ocen emphasised that Tarehe Sita medical activities aimed to move “away from dispensing drugs only” toward delivering tangible, life-changing interventions.
“If someone with a long-standing hernia is operated on or a mother with obstructed labour is assisted in time, the results are immediate. That is the level of service we aim to provide,” said Brig Gen Ocen.
Brig Gen Ocen, observed that the people of Kigezi sub-region seek care only when they are genuinely ill, a pattern that contrasts with previous outreaches in other parts of the country.
“There is a very big difference between Kigezi and other places,” Brig Gen Ocen stated. “People (in other regions) often come to pick drugs as if collecting a ration. But here in Kigezi, the people you see are genuinely sick. They come only when they need treatment.”
He warned that the indiscriminate collection of medicines, particularly antibiotics, by individuals who are not ill leads to drug misuse, improper storage, and ultimately, antimicrobial resistance; a growing global threat.
Brig Gen Ocen identified dental and ophthalmological (eye care) care as areas requiring major future investment. “Worldwide, the most common ailment is dental decay. Eye care is one of the most expensive services to provide.”
Medical Operations Intensify in Kabale
Lt Col Dr Lopez Mukuye, the head of the Kabale medical team, said they opened operations on 1st December and were fully operational by 2nd December.
“Kabale carries the history of the revolutionary struggle, and during these 45th anniversary, we are giving back to the people,” he said.
He explained that Kabale hosts three medical teams: a static surgical camp, a static medical camp and a mobile medical team.
“Our team of experts is on the ground, including surgeons, OB-GYNs and medical officers,” he said.
Earlier static surgical and static medical camps are based at Rubaya Health Centre IV, while the mobile camp began at Kakomo Health Centre IV before shifting to Maziba Health Centre IV after three days. Over the six-days, more than 3,000 residents attended to.
“The people have been appreciative, and they are still appreciative. We are covering both medical and surgical conditions,” he said.
The surgical teams have handled hernias, hydroceles, keloids and lipomas. Medical cases treated include respiratory infections and urinary tract infections, conditions more common in the area than malaria.
Lt Col Mukuye said patients operated on will be reviewed in the coming weeks when a surgical team returns.
On the sixth day of operations, static camps are stationed at Kamukira, while the mobile team deployed in Butanda and will proceed to Kaharo and later Buhara before completing its circuit.
“We are here for six more days. We shall exit on Saturday (13 December),” said Lt Col Mukuye.
Professionalism Recognised in Rukiga
During a visit to Mparo Health Centre IV in Rukiga, Brig Gen Michael Kibuye, Director of Civil Military Cooperation, praised the medics’ professionalism. “These are highly qualified professionals. The high turn-up reflects the community’s limited access to affordable services,” he observed.
Lt Col Dr Godfrey Ngobya, who heads the medical team in Rukiga District, said the team had so far treated more than 4,000 patients. Most of the cases reported, he said, were non-communicable diseases such as diabetes, hypertension and peptic ulcers.
He added that the outreach has expanded the range of services offered in the district. These include cancer screening, dental care and a strengthened eye clinic. “Many eye cases have been handled and some patients have even received lenses,” Lt Col Ngobya said.
The common eye ailments included; allergic conjunctivitis, presbyopia, dry eye syndrome, cataract and diabetic retinopathy.
Dr Edgar Mudogo of Mparo Health Centre IV noted a sharp rise in the number of patients. “We normally receive up to 100 people a day, but these numbers have tripled since the camp began,” he said.
Residents like Mugisha Joram who was diagnosed with urticarial (skin condition) thanked the UPDF medical team for the free medication he received. “I have been buying medicine expensively from pharmacies and it wasn’t helping me much. But the UPDF medics have given me free treatment which I believe will help my condition.”
Rubanda Sees Increased Turnout
In Rubanda District, large numbers of residents continued to gather at Hamurwa Health Centre IV. Maj Dr Simon Okongo said most patients are women and children, seeking services ranging from surgery and dermatology to HIV counselling and orthopaedics. Mobile teams are extending services to reach Bufundi, Ibumbi and Bwindi Health Centre IIIs.
Col Christine Nekesa, Head of Women Affairs in the Air Force, visited the facility and urged residents to maintain proper hygiene. She encouraged women to foster stable homes, saying domestic violence affects children’s education and future opportunities.
The UPDF’s medical outreaches continue throughout the week, with thousands more expected to benefit as the 45th Tarehe Sita Anniversary activities move toward conclusion.
