UPDF Gives Back To Mbarara

To mark their 42^nd National Birth, Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF) medics have today continued to re-clarify the pro-people character of the army by fostering harmony between the army and civilians.

This has been evidenced at both Mbarara Municipal Health Center IV and Nyakayojo Health Center III – Mbarara City, where UPDF medics are involved in the treatment of common ailments, carrying minor surgeries, and offering health education.

 

These symbolic civil-military activities preceding the national celebrations on every 6^th of February, symbolise the bond between the army and the people to maintain peace and eventually ensures the transformation of communities.

According to the Head of Mbarara Municipal Health Center IV Dr. Alfred Mugalula, UPDF medics have blended and integrated with routine staff at the facility to provide both static and mobile healthcare services to locals in the area. “They are providing free dental check-ups and minor extractions, free eye care check-ups, HIV/AIDS Testing and Counseling, Voluntary Medical Male Circumcision, distributing IEC materials, treating common ailments like (malaria, diarrhea, diabetes, Sexually Transmitted Infections), and offering postnatal care, immunization and family planning services, among others,” he mentioned.

He praised UPDF for treating the community, saying the army’s presence in the area is not only for celebrating the 1986 success but will also improve the general health of citizens. “This is a unique opportunity for the locals,” the visibly excited Dr. Mugalula said.

 

He, however, commended area residents for responding to the medical outreach camp and thanked UPDF for providing logistics, in terms of medicine and equipment, to the facility.

 

Capt Dr. BW OKalang, the Head of the Mobile Medical Team for Mbarara City while in an interview at Nyakayojo Health Center III, saluted the UPDF leadership for the continuous engagement with the population, to mitigate diseases like Respiratory Tract Infections, malaria, typhoid, anemia, cancer, and other pregnancy-related complications.

He noted that the big turn of patients at the hospital demonstrates the trust that the population has in the UPDF, and cements the already existing strategic partnership between the army and civilians.

One of the patients at Nyakayojo Health Centre III recognised UPDF’s closeness with the people. ” You have come to us, meaning you like us, thanks a lot,” he said.

 

Defence Forces Week activities are symbolic, although the 2023 activities have focused on Greater Mbarara Sub Region, similar activities are taking place in other units and formations in recognition of the founders of the Peoples’Revolution for Social Economic Transformation.