Hundreds of residents in Kitgum turned up for a free healthcare outreach held in memory of the late Lt Gen Paul Lokech who was famously known as the ‘Lion of Mogadishu’ a revered figure in Uganda’s military and public service.
The outreach, held at Christ the King Parish in Kitgum Municipality, marked the latest edition of the Paul Lokech Medical Camp an annual initiative established by the Paul Lokech Foundation (PLF) to honour the legacy of the fallen General.
First launched in 2022 by the Lokech family, the PLF medical camp aims to extend quality healthcare to underserved communities while preserving the general’s commitment to public service. This year’s edition has seen an impressive turnout of over 1,000 people seeking free medical care and checkups.
The event is a collaborative effort, supported by medical personnel from the Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF) 5 Infantry Division and volunteers from George Fox University in the United States. This partnership has expanded the reach and impact of the services offered to the local community.
Officiating the launch, Major General Keith Katungi, Commander of the UPDF 5 Infantry Division, highlighted the value of preventive healthcare.
“Health is the key to human living. Take advantage of these services to check for conditions that may affect your well-being,” he encouraged.
Services at the camp include general consultations, dental treatment, HIV testing, blood pressure and sugar screenings, and physiotherapy all offered at no cost to beneficiaries.
Medical teams from the UPDF will continue providing outpatient services for the remaining two days of the outreach.
The opening ceremony was attended by several local leaders, including Senior Assistant RDC Ogutti Geoffrey Oguti, District Health Officer Dr Henry Otto, and LC5 Chairperson Christopher Arwai Obol.
Obol commended the organisers and called for ongoing collaboration between the health sector and the local population.
“Lt Gen Lokech’s legacy in championing community well-being lives on through this camp. We thank PLF and all partners for their continued service,” he remarked.
The outreach is one of several activities being held to commemorate the life and contributions of Lt Gen Paul Lokech. Additional events, including a football tournament and a marathon, are scheduled to take place in Agago District in August 2025.
Among those in attendance were members of the late General’s family, senior officials from the UPDF and Uganda Police Force, and local leaders from Kitgum District.
