UPDF delivers free care to Kinawataka ahead of Public Service Day

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The Ministry of Defence and Veteran Affairs (MoDVA), in partnership with the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF), on Wednesday, July 2, 2025, launched a two-day medical camp in Kinawataka village, Nakawa Division, as part of activities marking the 14th African Public Service Day (APSD).

APSD is commemorated annually on June 23 by African Union (AU) member states to recognise the vital role of public servants and public sector organisations in national development.

In a statement on Wednesday, the UPDF said the outreach aimed to strengthen civil-military relations and improve community wellbeing through the provision of free healthcare services.

This year’s celebrations are held under the theme “Enhancing the Agility and Resilience of Institutions to Achieve Equitable Governance and Rapidly Address Historical Service Delivery Gaps.”

Mrs Byengoma Rossette, PS MoDVA, giving her remarks during the APSD Celebrations at Kinawataka, Wednesday, July 2, 2025. (Courtesy)

Defence ministry permanent secretary Rosette Byengoma, who represented her line minister Jacob Oboth, said the medical camp formed part of the lead-up to the main event on July 7 at Kololo Ceremonial Grounds. “This is one way in which the public can identify with the Ministry and support us in fulfilling our core duty of defending and protecting the sovereignty and territorial integrity of our country,” she said.

Byengoma thanked residents for attending the camp and highlighted the importance of direct community engagement. “This is the reason why we are here in Kinawataka. You are good neighbours. You have supported the Ministry and the UPDF. We appreciate that relationship,” she added.

Maj. Gen. Henry Masiko, Joint Staff Political Commissariat of the UPDF, reaffirmed the army’s commitment to civil-military cooperation, describing it as a constitutional obligation. “We are here today to give back to this community and foster harmony between the army and the public,” he said. “This is not a one-off. We have done this before during Tarehe Sita, and we shall continue to do it.”

He also reassured the community of the UPDF’s dedication to their safety and rights. “We will defend you without fear or favour.”

Kinawataka village chairman, Ssalongo Yafeesi, expressed his gratitude to MoDVA and the UPDF for choosing their area and thanked President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni for building stronger bonds between the military and civilians. “A long time ago, we used to run when we saw an army uniform. Today, we collaborate,” he said, illustrating the improved relationship.

Mrs Byengoma Rossette (Eighth right) in a group photo with UPDF Officers, MoDVA leadership and Kinawataka residents during the APSD celebrations on Wednesday, July 2, 2025. (Courtesy)

The medical camp is expected to benefit hundreds of residents, and MoDVA has indicated that similar initiatives will be extended to other communities across the country.

Attendees included Edith Buturo, undersecretary for finance and administration; Edrine Benesa, the assistant resident city commissioner of Nakawa Division; as well as senior and junior UPDF officers.