The Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF) Contingent in Somalia, operating under the African Union Support and Stabilisation Mission in Somalia, has received a fresh supply of medical equipment and resources from partners Bancroft to support its Civil-Military Cooperation (CIMIC) efforts at the Level II hospital in Mogadishu.
Brigadier General Joseph Musoke Ssemwanga, Sector One commander, lauded Bancroft for their ongoing support to UPDF operations and administrative activities in Somalia.
“Support like this ensures that our medical teams can continue providing essential services not only to our soldiers but also to Somali civilians,” Brig Gen Musoke said, urging hospital staff to uphold proper accountability in managing the supplies.
Col Dr Joseph Asea, representing Bancroft, noted the hospital serves a large civilian population and stressed the need for continued support to make medical services more accessible.
Captain Dr John Robert Obwapus, the hospital’s Commanding Officer, reported a surge in patients seeking quality care. “On average, we treat 800 to 1,200 Somali nationals each month, with approximately 60 requiring major surgical operations,” he said.
Dr Safi Abdinur Ahmed, representing the Somali National Army, expressed gratitude to both Bancroft and UPDF for sustaining medical services for the local population.
The handover was attended by Sector One Chief Administrative Officer Colonel John Mark Ssemanda, Bancroft Operations Manager Rocky van Blerk, and medical personnel from the Level II hospital, among others.
