Over 47,000 served at UPDF medical camp in Kigezi

__________________

KABALE - The 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.

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.

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.

An elder being check by UPDF eye specialist during the 45th Tarehe Sita medical camp at Kashambya health centre III Rukiga district. (Courtesy)

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, the 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,

Upper respiratory tract infections, including influenza-like illnesses, dominated the treated cases.

Dr Bakehena reported that Malaria prevalence was limited to the North Kigezi districts of Kanungu and Rukungiri, with no cases recorded in Kisoro, Rubanda, Kabale, and Rukiga.

Cervical cancer screening revealed an approximately eight per cent positivity rate, which the UPDF health official described as worrying but manageable if addressed early.

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.

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.