The Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces medical team has started a post-operative review of patients treated during the free medical outreach held to mark the force’s 45th anniversary in the Kigezi sub-region.
The review is taking place in Kisoro, Rubanda, Kabale, Rukiga, Rukungiri and Kanungu districts. The exercise aims to assess recovery, offer medical advice and ensure continuity of care. Early findings show good recovery, with no major post-surgical complications reported.
Speaking during the exercise, Joint Staff Political Commissariat Maj Gen Henry Masiko said the UPDF treated 50,625 patients during the initial outreach, including 578 surgical cases.
“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 advised all patients who underwent surgery to return to the facilities where they were treated.
“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 added.
At Chahafi Health Centre IV in Kisoro District, beneficiaries thanked President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni and the UPDF leadership for bringing specialised services closer to the people.
Ntirenganya Jova said her three-year-old daughter had lived with bilateral inguinal hernia for over two years before receiving treatment.
“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 cannot imagine the pain she would still be going through. I thank the UPDF doctors who successfully operated on my daughter,” she said.
Nyiraneza Norah, 36, said she had suffered from severe uterine fibroids for years before undergoing a free myomectomy.
“I was in a lot of pain and had almost lost hope. I was asked for a lot of money which I could not afford. When the UPDF medical team came, I received free treatment. I am now well, and I cannot thank the UPDF enough,” she said.
Lt Dr Simpson Ssemwogere said Ms Norah’s condition was critical, with fibroids equivalent to a 16-week pregnancy. He said the team, led by Col Dr Kabugo, removed 11 fibroids.
In Kabale District, Ainembabazi Phoebe said she had lived with a painful boil on her knee for a long time.
“The doctors operated on me, and I am now okay. When I heard they were coming back for review, I returned and they confirmed that I was healing well,” she said.
At Rubaya Health Centre IV, Turyahikayo Karoli said he fully recovered after surgery to remove a tumour on his elbow.
The facility in-charge, Mr Kamusime Vianne, said the UPDF outreach reduced referrals and eased the financial burden on families.
“As health workers, we learned a lot from the UPDF team. Many procedures that would have required referrals were done here free of charge,” he said.
Capt Dr Abbey Kiyengo said post-operative reviews began on January 1, 2026. He said more than 20 patients had so far been reviewed, all showing good recovery.
In Kanungu District, Lt Dr Elias Byamukama said common conditions treated included hypertension, hydrocele, lipomas and keloids.
The review follows a 12-day medical camp held in December 2025 as part of activities to mark the 45th Tarehe Sita anniversary in the Kigezi sub-region.
