Hundreds of residents in Bulambuli District have flocked to Buginyanya NARO Agricultural Farm and Muyembe Health Centre IV to receive free medical services being offered by the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) under the ongoing Field Training Exercise, OKOA MAISHA 26.
The exercise, which started on April 12, 2026, is being conducted under the theme of strengthening disaster response and management through integrated leadership and command.
Brigadier General Ernest Nuwagaba, the Commander of Headquarters Uganda Rapid Deployment Capability and exercise controller, said the overwhelming turnout shows the trust communities have in the UPDF.
“This large turnout is a reflection of trust in the national army. This medical camp is part of our corporate social responsibility, intended to give back to the community for the trust and support they continue to extend to us,” Brig Gen Nuwagaba said.
He noted that such outreach programs help strengthen the relationship between the army and civilians, adding that the UPDF has a duty to support civil authorities during emergencies and natural disasters.
Brig Gen Nuwagaba urged residents to make use of the three-day medical camp, saying specialists are on ground to handle different health conditions.
Colonel Dr. Francis Bakahena, the Director of Public Health in the UPDF and head of the medical team, said the camp is offering both general and specialized treatment services.
“The team is managing a wide range of conditions including minor surgeries, tuberculosis and cancer screening, eye and dental care, cervical and breast cancer screening for women, laboratory services, and general outpatient treatment,” Dr. Bakahena said.
He explained that outpatient services are mainly being handled at Buginyanya NARO farm, while patients requiring surgery and more complicated treatment are being attended to at Muyembe Health Centre IV.
The medical outreach is part of the broader OKOA MAISHA 26 exercise aimed at improving preparedness and response to disasters while strengthening cooperation between security forces and local communities.
