The Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF) has concluded a 12-day free medical camp in the Kigezi sub-region, providing healthcare services to more than 47,000 residents across six districts. The outreach formed part of activities to commemorate the 45th Tarehe Sita anniversary due in February next year.

Six UPDF medical teams were deployed in Kabale, Rukiga, Kisoro, Rukungiri, Kanungu and Rubanda districts, operating through static clinics at health facilities and mobile outreach units to reach remote communities. The exercise surpassed its initial projection of 35,000 patients, highlighting the demand for specialised medical services in the region.

“We expected to cover around 35,000 people, but we overshot that number. We have recorded almost 47,000 patients,” said Colonel Dr Francis Xavier Bakehena, the Head of Public Health in the UPDF and Coordinator of the Joint Staff Health Services for the Tarehe Sita activities in Kigezi.

Residents accessed a wide range of free medical services, including dental and eye care, HIV and tuberculosis testing, cervical cancer screening, maternal health services, ear, nose and throat care, and vector control interventions. Health education was also provided through film vans with support from the Ministry of Health.

During the medical camp, UPDF health teams conducted 185 surgical procedures, the majority of which were hernia repairs. Other procedures included the excision of swellings such as lipomas. All the surgical interventions were reported to be successful. Maternal health services recorded 192 normal deliveries and 48 caesarean sections.

Upper respiratory tract infections, including influenza-like illnesses, were among the most commonly treated conditions, largely attributed to the cold climate in the Kigezi sub-region. Malaria cases were confined to Kanungu and Rukungiri districts, with no cases recorded in Kisoro, Rubanda, Kabale and Rukiga.

Medical teams also observed a high burden of hypertension affecting both older persons and younger populations, alongside widespread dental, eye, ear, nose and throat 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, a finding UPDF health officials described as concerning but manageable with early detection and treatment.

“This is a preventable and treatable condition. Health services in Kigezi must strengthen screening and awareness, especially among women,” Colonel Dr Bakehena emphasised.

He added that patients identified during screening were treated and referred for further specialised management.

Beyond curative care, the UPDF conducted extensive vector control activities, fumigating and spraying more than 300 houses and public facilities, including schools and health centres. To strengthen healthcare delivery in the region, the UPDF will donate 155 mattresses, delivery beds and mama kits to selected health facilities, with a focus on maternity wards.

Kabale District Health Officer, Dr Gilbert Mateeka, praised the collaboration between the UPDF and district health teams, describing the provision of surgical services as a major boost to local healthcare delivery and a valuable learning opportunity for health workers.

“It has been a learning experience for our health workers because they are working with experts from UPDF,” Dr Mateeka said.

He also noted improved community perception of the defence forces, adding, “Having a uniformed person working with us has given [health workers] a different perspective.”

According to Dr Mateeka, a joint UPDF–District Health Department follow-up mechanism 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 for the medical camp was described as robust, with adequate supplies of medicines, equipment and transport provided throughout the operation.

“We have been able to support all areas,” said Lt Col Ezra Amuthaire, the Head of Medical Logistics for the operation.

UPDF field figures indicate that women accounted for approximately 75 per cent of the patients attended to, with the highest turnout recorded among individuals aged 40 years and above.

While the UPDF medical teams are scaling down operations in the Kigezi sub-region, follow-up visits have been 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 area.