Hundreds of residents from Kapeka community in Nakaseke District have received free medical services from Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF) troops attached to the International Peace Support Operations Training Centre (IPSO-TC) in Singo.
The one-day medical outreach was conducted at Naluvule Township and formed part of the ongoing Mission Readiness Exercise (MRX) for Battle Group 47, combining military training with direct community support.
Addressing residents and local leaders, the Chief Instructor of IPSO-TC, Colonel David Watasa, said the UPDF considers the wellbeing of civilians a key pillar of its operations.
“Our numeric strength is derived from the civil populace, and therefore, we must give back to the community through free medical services as we relate and build trust,” Col. Watasa stated.
He explained that integrating community service into training prepares troops for future missions while strengthening trust between civilians and the military.
The Commander of Battle Group 47, Colonel Wilson Barigye, said community engagement remains a core part of UPDF doctrine, noting that such activities help consolidate peace and enable the force to better understand and address local challenges affecting livelihoods.
Patients at the camp received treatment for both communicable and non-communicable diseases, laboratory tests, antenatal care, and family planning services.
UPDF troops also joined residents in improving sanitation through a general cleanliness exercise in Naluvule Township.
The IPSO-TC Civil-Military Cooperation (CIMIC) Officer, Major Edson Muheirwoh, applauded the strong community turnout, particularly during the joint clean-up at Naluvule Market.
He pledged continued mobilisation and public health education to promote healthier living and socio-economic transformation.
Nakaseke District Councillor Ms. Nakayenga Joyce welcomed the initiative, thanking the UPDF for its continued presence and support in the area.
“We are grateful for the continued free treatment and security provided by the UPDF across Nakaseke District,” she said.
The outreach was attended by senior officers, including Lt Col Alfred Otim, Deputy Commander of Battle Group 47; Maj Benard Wandera, Course Coordinator; Maj Herbert Obita, Head of the Training Team; Maj Gordon Tushabe, Directing Staff; Maj Robert Byebiroha, Political Commissar; junior officers; and local leaders.
