Hundreds Turn Up At UPDF Medical Camps As OKOA MAISHA 26 Gains Momentum In Bulambuli

Hundreds of residents from Bulambuli District turned up at Buginyanya NARO agricultural farm and Muyembe Health Centre IV to access free medical services offered by the Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF) at the ongoing Field Training Exercise, codenamed OKOA MAISHA 26.

The OKOA MAISHA 26 Field Training Exercise commenced on 12 April 2026 in Bulambuli District under the theme “Strengthening multi-sectoral resilience and local action on sustainable disaster response and management through integrated leadership and command.”

The Commander Headquarter Uganda Rapid Deployment Capability and exercise controller, Brigadier General Ernest Nuwagaba, attributed the high turnout to public trust in the national army.

“This large turnout is a reflection of trust in the national army. This medical camp is part of our corporate social responsibility, intended to give back to the community for the trust and support they continue to extend to us,” Brig Gen Nuwagaba said.

He said that such civil-military engagements strengthen cooperation between the armed forces and civilians, in line with the UPDF’s constitutional mandate to support civil authorities during emergencies and natural disasters.

Brig Gen Nuwagaba encouraged residents to take full advantage of the three-day medical outreach, which brings together specialists handling a wide range of health conditions.

According to Colonel Doctor Francis Bakahena, the Director of Public Health in the UPDF and head of the medical team at the camp, services at Buginyanya NARO farm are focused on outpatient care, while surgical and more complex cases are being handled at Muyembe Health Centre IV.

“The team is managing a wide range of conditions including minor surgeries, tuberculosis and cancer screening, eye and dental care, cervical and breast cancer screening for women, laboratory services, and general outpatient treatment,” Dr Bakahena said.

Mr Edward Basenge, representing the Ministry of Health, described the camp as an important public health intervention targeting community health challenges.

He said the Ministry has reinforced the exercise with 26 emergency medical workers, alongside a blood donation team from the national blood bank.

The Deputy District Health Officer for Bulambuli, Mr Naimu Martin, commended the collaboration between the UPDF, Ministry of Health, and district health services, describing the exercise as a timely intervention for the community.

“Several people have been mobilised for this important activity at Buginyanya NARO camp and Muyembe Health Centre IV. The exercise is progressing well, and we thank the UPDF and all partners for the work they are doing for the people of Bulambuli,” he said.

The exercise brought together the Uganda People’s Defence Forces, Uganda Police Force, Uganda Prisons Service, Office of the Prime Minister, Uganda Red Cross and other government agencies in a coordinated effort that combines operational training aimed at strengthening disaster response and community support, while testing HQ URDC’s readiness to respond within the shortest time possible, and is scheduled to conclude on 25 April 2026.