Kigezi, Uganda: The Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF) concluded a 12-day medical outreach across the Kigezi sub-region, treating more than 47,000 residents in a free health campaign organised as part of activities to mark the 45th Tarehe Sita anniversary due in February 2026.
The operation, which surpassed the initial target of 35,000 patients, saw six UPDF medical teams deployed across the districts of Kabale, Rukiga, Kisoro, Rukungiri, Kanungu and Rubanda, delivering both static and mobile health services.
The figures included Cervical Cancer Screening – 671, Tuberculosis Screening – 351, HIV Testing – 3,247, Normal Deliveries – 192, Caesarean Sections – 48, Eye Services – 4,000 treated/2,565 glasses distributed and Dental Services – 2,576, while Vector Control covered 335 locations in Kigezi
According to Colonel Dr Francis Xavier Bakehena, the Head of Public Health in the UPDF and Coordinator of Joint Staff Health Services for the Tarehe Sita activities in Kigezi, the outreach achieved its objectives despite the region’s challenging terrain.
“We expected to cover around 35,000 people, but we overshot that number. We have recorded almost 47,000 patients,” Col Dr Bakehena said.
Services provided included general outpatient care, dental and eye services, HIV and tuberculosis screening, cervical cancer screening, maternal and child health services, and vector control activities. Mobile clinics complemented static services at health facilities to reach hard-to-access communities.
A total of 185 surgical procedures were carried out during the outreach, with hernia repairs accounting for the majority. Other procedures included excision of swellings such as lipomas. In maternal health, UPDF teams conducted 192 normal deliveries and 48 Caesarean sections, all of which were reported to have been successful.
Upper respiratory tract infections, including influenza-like illnesses, were among the most common conditions treated, a trend attributed to Kigezi’s cold climate. Malaria cases were limited to North Kigezi districts of Kanungu and Rukungiri, with no cases reported in Kisoro, Rubanda, Kabale and Rukiga.
UPDF medical teams also recorded a high prevalence of hypertension across both older persons and younger age groups, alongside widespread dental, ear, nose and throat, and eye-related conditions.
“High blood pressure is alarmingly common, not only among the elderly but also among younger people. It is a debilitating condition that requires urgent attention,” Col Dr Bakehena said.
Cervical cancer screening results indicated an approximately eight per cent positivity rate, which UPDF health officials described as concerning but manageable through early detection and referral. Identified cases received initial treatment and were referred for specialised follow-up care.
Beyond curative services, the outreach placed strong emphasis on preventive health. UPDF teams fumigated and sprayed more than 300 homes and public facilities, including schools and health centres, as part of vector control efforts. Health education was also conducted using film vans, with support from the Ministry of Health.
To strengthen local health systems, the UPDF will donate 155 mattresses, delivery beds and mama kits to selected health facilities, particularly maternity wards across the sub-region.
Joint effort with district health teams
Kabale District Health Officer, Dr Gilbert Mateeka, commended the collaboration, describing the surgical services as a major boost to district healthcare delivery and a valuable skills-transfer 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, noting that the presence of uniformed personnel had positively influenced staff morale and community perception.
A joint UPDF–District Health Department follow-up mechanism has been established for patients requiring continued care, particularly post-surgical cases. UPDF medical teams are expected to return around December 29 for patient reviews and formal handover of activities.
Lt Col Ezra Amuthaire, the Head of Medical Logistics for the operation, said the outreach was supported by adequate supplies of medicines, equipment and transport, made possible through UPDF leadership.
According to UPDF field data, women accounted for about 75 per cent of all patients attended to, with the highest turnout recorded among individuals aged 40 years and above.
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