UPDF and Bancroft Offer Free Medical Services and Construct Flood Barrier in Bariire, Somalia

Residents in Bariire town, Somalia embraced the free medical services that were offered by Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces under the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia in collaboration with Bancroft Global Development under the umbrella ‘Give to the World’ charity organization, to receive medical treatment. Over 221 women, children and the elderly with different ailments received free medication.

Lt Col Wycliffe Kibuka Bbosa, the commander mobile force based at Bariire forward operating base said this followed an outcry from the elders for medical treatment. “People are in dire need of medical care. That is why we teamed up with Bancroft to provide the little we can to help. There is a need to create a health facility to bring services nearer to the people,” said Lt Col Bbosa.

Mr. Richard Ward, the head of Bancroft Medical Department said they responded to the call through Give to the World which donates medical equipment and medicines to people in need. “We partnered with Give to the World to provide medical care for civilians in areas liberated from Al-Shabaab. “We have come with a number of antibiotics, different steroids, iron supplements, lots of deworming and skin diseases medication.”

Mr Abubakar Hajj Hassan, the Chief elder of Bariire community was happy for ATMIS to answer their call. “People are excited, many are calling their relatives to come. They have come from all the villages.” He explained that the people had mobilized resources to construct a health structure but midway, Al-Shabaab interrupted the project.

In the same spirit, ATMIS together with Bancroft have constructed 100 metres flood barrier to prevent River Shabelle from flooding to the town of Barrire which been a challenge to the population over the years.

Bariire town is 60kms North West of Mogadishu city neighboring seasonal River Shabelle. Despite being the agricultural basket of Mogadishu, the area was ravaged by Al-Shabaab mayhem until November 2022 when the district was retaken by Somali Security Forces and now under the control of the joint forces.