Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF) has successfully concluded an extensive 12-day medical camp in the Kigezi sub-region, providing free healthcare services to more than 47,000 residents.
The outreach formed part of activities to commemorate the 45th Tarehe Sita anniversary due in February next year.
Six UPDF medical teams were deployed across Kabale, Rukiga, Kisoro, Rukungiri, Kanungu, and Rubanda districts. Services included static clinics at health facilities and mobile units offering dental, eye, HIV/TB testing, cervical cancer screening, maternal care, and vector control among other services.
The turnout exceeded the initial projection of 35,000 patients, underscoring the high demand for specialised medical services across the six districts.
According to Colonel Dr Francis Xavier Bakehena, Head of Public Health in the UPDF and Coordinator of the Joint Staff Health Services for the Tarehe Sita activities in Kigezi, the operation achieved its objectives despite terrain-related challenges.
“We expected to cover around 35,000 people, but we overshot that number. We have recorded almost 47,000 patients,” said Col Dr Bakehena,
A total of 185 surgical procedures were conducted, with hernia repairs being the most common. Other procedures included excision of swellings such as lipomas. Maternal health services included 192 normal deliveries and 48 Caesarean sections. Colonel Dr Bakehena said that all the surgical procedures were successful.
Upper respiratory tract infections, including influenza-like illnesses, were commonly treated, particularly given the region’s cold climate. Malaria prevalence was limited to the North Kigezi districts of Kanungu and Rukungiri, with no cases recorded in Kisoro, Rubanda, Kabale, and Rukiga.
A high burden of hypertension was observed across both older persons and youth, alongside widespread dental, ear, nose and throat, and eye-related conditions.
“High blood pressure is alarmingly common, not only among the elderly but also among younger people. It is a debilitating condition that requires urgent attention,” Colonel Dr Bakehena said.
Cervical cancer screening revealed an approximately eight per cent positivity rate, which the UPDF health official described as worrying but manageable if addressed early.
“This is a preventable and treatable condition. Health services in Kigezi must strengthen screening and awareness, especially among women,” Colonell Dr Bakehena emphasised. He added that the identified cases were given treatment and referred for further specialized management.
Beyond curative services, the UPDF conducted extensive vector control activities, fumigating and spraying more than 300 houses and public facilities, including schools and health centres. Health education was reinforced through film vans provided with support from the Ministry of Health.
To strengthen local health capacity, the UPDF will donate 155 mattresses, delivery beds, and mama kits to selected health facilities, with particular focus on maternity wards.
*Concerted Effort with district health teams*
The Kabale District Health Officer, Dr Gilbert Mateeka, praised the partnership, describing the provision of surgical services as a major boost to district health delivery and a valuable learning opportunity for local health workers.
“It has been a learning experience for our health workers because they are working with experts from UPDF,” Dr Mateeka said.
He emphasised the improved community perception of the defence forces, noting, “Having a uniformed person working with us has given [health workers] a different perspective.”
A joint UPDF–District Health Department follow-up mechanism, according to Dr Mateeka, has been established for patients requiring continued care, particularly post-surgical cases. UPDF medical teams are expected to return around December 29 for patient reviews and project handovers.
Logistical support was robust, according to Lt Col Ezra Amuthaire, Head of Medical Logistics for the operation.
“We have been able to support all areas,” he said, crediting UPDF leadership for adequate supplies of drugs, equipment, and non-medical support such as transport
According to UPDF field figures, women accounted for approximately 75 per cent of patients attended to, with the highest turnout recorded among individuals aged 40 years and above.
While the UPDF medical teams begin scaling down operations, follow-up visits are scheduled later in the month to review surgical patients and mothers who underwent caesarean sections, coinciding with the handover of completed engineering projects in the region.
*Key Medical and Public Health Outcomes*
Total Attendance – 47,000+
Cervical Cancer Screening – 671
Tuberculosis Screening – 351
HIV Testing – 3,247
Normal Deliveries – 192
Caesarean Sections – 48
Eye Services – 4,000 treated/2,565 glasses distributed
Dental Services – 2,576
Vector Control – 335 locations
As the teams depart Kigezi, health officials and community leaders say the impact of the medical camp will be felt long after the tents come down, both in improved health outcomes and strengthened collaboration between the UPDF and civilian health services.
