Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF) has appreciated the Uganda Prisons Service for supporting community outreach activities to mark the 45th anniversary of Tarehe Sita through the renovation of Nyakishenyi Health Centre III in Rubabo Sub-county, Rukungiri District.
The appreciation was expressed during the handover and commissioning of the health facility, attended by senior defence and security officials, local leaders and members of the community.
Speaking at the event, the Minister of State for Defence and Veteran Affairs, Hon. Huda Abason Oleru, said the support from the Uganda Prisons Service demonstrated strong inter-agency cooperation in serving the public.
“The Prisons Service has done more than we expected, and we thank them for standing with the UPDF during the Tarehe Sita celebrations,” Hon. Oleru said.
She explained that the celebrations have evolved from being held solely within military barracks to community-focused engagements, in recognition of the UPDF as a people-centred force.
“When the UPDF started celebrating Tarehe Sita, it was done in the barracks, but the UPDF belongs to the people. That is why we must come back to the communities that supported us during the difficult times,” she said.
On behalf of the Commissioner General of Prisons, Commissioner of Prisons Gervase Tumuhimbise in charge of Estates and Engineering said the scope of works at Nyakishenyi Health Centre III was expanded following a technical assessment.
“Initially, we were to fence the facility and renovate the Out Patients Department, but when our team arrived, we realised that much more needed to be done,” Tumuhimbise said.
He said additional works included general refurbishment of structures, drainage improvement and paving of access routes, following a site inspection by the Commissioner General of Prisons, who noted that the terrain posed serious drainage challenges.
The Joint Staff for Health Services, Maj Gen Dr Ambrose Musinguzi, said the renovated facility would significantly strengthen health service delivery in the area.
“When we talk about strengthening the health system, infrastructure is one of the key building blocks, and that is what has been achieved here today,” Maj Gen Musinguzi said.
He identified other pillars as skilled health workers, modern medical equipment and strong health information systems, noting that the facility would require further investment as it progresses towards Health Centre IV status.
Maj Gen Musinguzi urged health workers and local leaders to safeguard the investment, in line with the theme of this year’s Tarehe Sita celebrations.
“Defending the gains also means proper operation and maintenance. We do not want to return here and find that these facilities are run down,” he said.
The in-charge of Nyakishenyi Health Centre III, Dr Katusiime Hannibal, described the renovation as a deeply meaningful intervention and thanked the Uganda Prisons Service for the support.
“We do not even have enough words to say thank you to the Uganda Prisons Service and the Commissioner General,” Dr Katusiime said. “We truly appreciate the entire team, especially the engineers who worked on this facility.”
He also praised the conduct of the construction personnel, saying their humility and discipline had strengthened community trust.
“Many people fear uniformed forces, but these officers were respectful, humble and hardworking. They did their work with great diligence and won the hearts of both staff and the community.”
The renovation of Nyakishenyi Health Centre III is among several community-focused projects being implemented by the UPDF and sister security agencies as part of activities marking the 45th anniversary of Tarehe Sita.
