Africa-Press – Uganda. The Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) medical team has commenced a comprehensive post-operative review of patients who received medical and surgical care during the recent free medical outreach in the Kigezi sub-region.
The outreach was conducted as part of activities to mark the UPDF’s 45th anniversary celebrations, commonly known as Tarehe Sita.
The follow-up exercise is being carried out across the districts of Kisoro, Rubanda, Kabale, Rukiga, Rukungiri, and Kanungu, with the aim of assessing patient recovery, offering continued medical guidance, and ensuring continuity of care. Preliminary findings indicate positive outcomes, with patients reviewed so far showing good recovery and no major post-surgical complications.
According to the Joint Staff Political Commissariat, Maj Gen Henry Masiko, the initial outreach involved the establishment of free medical camps across the six districts, during which a total of 50,625 patients were treated and 578 surgical operations conducted.
“Our doctors have returned because they carried out surgical procedures and various medical interventions. The patients they worked on are now being reviewed,” Masiko said.
He urged all patients who underwent surgery during the outreach to report back to the health facilities where their procedures were performed.
“If you are a patient who was operated on by our doctors, you are advised to return to the hospital or health centre where the operation was done. Our doctors are already on the ground,” he said.
At Chahafi Health Centre IV in Kisoro District, beneficiaries expressed appreciation to the UPDF leadership for extending specialised medical services to hard-to-reach communities.
Ntirenganya Jova, whose three-year-old daughter had suffered from bilateral inguinal hernia for more than two years, described the intervention as life-changing.
“My child had spent over two years in pain. I moved from one hospital to another, including Kisoro Hospital, but I was advised to wait for her to grow. I am grateful to the UPDF doctors who successfully operated on her,” she said.
Jova added that her daughter is now in good condition and praised the medical team for their professionalism and compassion.
Another beneficiary, Nyiraneza Norah, 36, underwent a myomectomy after being diagnosed with severe uterine fibroids. She recounted years of pain and financial hardship while seeking treatment.
“I was in a lot of pain and had almost lost hope because I could not afford the cost of treatment. When the UPDF medical team came, I received free care. I am now well, and I am very thankful,” she said.
Lt Dr Simpson Ssemwogere explained that Norah’s condition was critical, with fibroids equivalent to a 16-week pregnancy. Together with Consultant Gynaecologist Col Dr Kabugo, the team successfully removed 11 fibroids.
In Kabale District, Ainembabazi Phoebe from Nyangori in Kasheregyengyi said she had lived with a painful boil on her knee for a long time before learning about the UPDF medical camp.
“The doctors operated on me, and I am now fine. When I heard they were coming back for review, I returned and they confirmed that I was healing well,” she said.
Similarly, Turyahikayo Karoli, who previously suffered severe pain from a tumour on his elbow that extended to his neck, reported full recovery following surgery at Rubaya Health Centre IV.
The in-charge of Rubaya Health Centre IV, Kamusime Vianne, said the collaboration with the UPDF medical team greatly benefited both health workers and the community.
“Professionally, we learned a lot from the UPDF team because of their experience and high level of professionalism. Many procedures that would have required referrals to distant or private facilities were conducted here free of charge,” Kamusime said.
He added that the outreach significantly reduced the financial burden on families and addressed long-standing medical conditions that many residents had endured due to limited resources. He also appealed for similar future deployments, noting that some patients sought care after the team had already left.
As the review phase continues, Capt Dr Abbey Kiyengo said post-operative assessments began on January 1, 2026, focusing on patients who underwent surgery during the anniversary medical activities.
“So far, we have reviewed more than 20 patients who underwent procedures such as excisions, hernia repairs, and caesarean sections. All are showing good recovery, and no major complications have been recorded,” he said.
In Kanungu District, Lt Dr Elias Byamukama reported that the most common conditions managed included hypertension, hydrocele, lipomas, and keloids. Patients who underwent surgery during the outreach reported significant improvement and expressed appreciation for the services received.
The in-charge of Kanungu Health Centre IV, Dr Timothy Tumwesigye, thanked the UPDF for extending advanced medical services to the district, particularly for patients whose conditions could not be managed at lower-level health facilities.
The ongoing post-operative review follows a 12-day free medical camp conducted in December 2025 as part of the 45th Tarehe Sita anniversary celebrations in the Kigezi sub-region, highlighting the UPDF’s continued commitment to community service and improving access to healthcare across the country.
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