By The Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF) medical team has commenced a comprehensive post-operative review of patients who received treatment during a recent free medical outreach in the Kigezi sub-region, conducted as part of activities to mark the force’s 45th anniversary.
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, providing continued medical guidance and ensuring continuity of care. Early assessments indicate positive outcomes, with patients reviewed so far registering good recovery and no major post-surgical complications.
According to the Joint Staff Political Commissariat, Maj Gen Henry Masiko, the initial outreach involved free medical camps across the six districts, during which UPDF medical teams treated 50,625 patients and conducted 578 surgical operations.
“Our doctors are back because they carried out surgical operations and engaged in various medical procedures. The patients they worked on are now being reviewed,” Maj Gen Masiko said.
He urged all patients who underwent surgery during the outreach to return to the health facilities where their procedures were performed for follow-up reviews.
“If you are a patient who was operated on by our doctors, you are advised to go back 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 praised the UPDF leadership and President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni for extending specialised medical services to remote communities.
Ms Ntirenganya Jova said her three-year-old daughter, who had suffered from bilateral inguinal hernia for more than two years, had fully benefited from the intervention.
“My baby had spent more than two years in pain. I moved to different hospitals, including Kisoro Hospital, but I was advised to wait for her to grow. I thank the UPDF doctors who successfully operated on my daughter,” she said, adding that the child is now in good condition.
Another beneficiary, Ms Nyiraneza Norah, 36, underwent a myomectomy after being diagnosed with severe uterine fibroids. She said the free surgery relieved years of pain and financial strain.
“I was in a lot of pain and had almost lost hope because I could not afford treatment. When the UPDF medical team came, I received free care, and I am now well,” she said.
Lt Dr Simpson Ssemwogere said Ms Norah’s condition was critical, presenting 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, Kasheregyengyi, said she had lived with a painful boil on her knee for a long time before learning about the medical camp.
“The doctors operated on me, and when they came back for review, they confirmed that I was healing well,” she said.
Similarly, Turyahikayo Karoli, who had a tumour on his elbow that caused severe pain extending to his neck, reported full recovery following surgery at Rubaya Health Centre IV.
The in-charge of Rubaya Health Centre IV, Mr Kamusime Vianne, said the collaboration with the UPDF medical team significantly benefited both health workers and the community.
“Many procedures that would have required referrals to distant or private facilities were done here free of charge. Professionally, we also learned a lot from the UPDF team due to their experience,” he said.
He added that the outreach reduced the financial burden on families and addressed long-standing medical conditions, and appealed for similar deployments in the future.
Providing an update on the review exercise, Capt Dr Abbey Kiyengo said post-operative assessments began on January 1, 2026, focusing on patients operated on during the anniversary activities.
“So far, we have reviewed over 20 patients who underwent procedures such as excisions, hernia repairs and caesarean sections. All are showing good convalescence, with no major complications recorded,” he said.
In Kanungu District, Lt Dr Elias Byamukama said common conditions handled included hypertension, hydrocele, lipomas and keloids. Several patients who underwent surgery during the outreach reported significant improvement during the review exercise.
The post-operative review follows a 12-day medical camp conducted in December 2025 as part of activities to commemorate the 45th Tarehe Sita anniversary in the Kigezi sub-region.
Follow our WhatsApp Channel for more… https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vb6TpGqLtOjKB7S8OI3d
