The Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) Parliamentary representatives handed over advanced medical equipment to the Dr. Ronald Bata Memorial Hospital at the Special Forces Command (SFC) base in Nsamizi, Entebbe, on October 4, 2024. The equipment, which was donated by UPDF Members of Parliament earlier this year, aims to enhance healthcare services for both the troops and civilians.
The ceremony was led by Hon. Brig. Gen. Charity Bainababo, who represented the Minister of State for Trade, Hon. Gen. Wilson Mbadi. Hon. Brig. Gen. Bainababo is currently pursuing a course at the National Defence College in Jinja. She was accompanied by fellow MPs Hon. Dr. Victoria Nekesa and Hon. Dr. Jennifer Alanyo, who all played a role in mobilizing resources for the equipment.
Brig. Gen. Bainababo highlighted that the initiative started during a caucus meeting chaired by Hon. Gen. David Muhoozi. Members of the UPDF Parliamentary Caucus agreed to contribute from their monthly deductions, which were deposited into an account with Wazalendo SACCO. Over time, they have managed to make significant contributions to various UPDF units. These include two fully equipped theatre tables delivered to Bombo, a dormitory built for Air Force Senior Secondary School, and a laboratory constructed at Gulu Barracks to support the troops.
“This effort reflects our commitment as a caucus to improving the welfare of both the soldiers and the local communities,” Brig. Gen. Bainababo stated. “We are ensuring that civilians are not turned away from these facilities and can also access quality services.”
Hon. Dr. Victoria Nekesa praised the SFC leadership for expanding hospital infrastructure, which has improved healthcare delivery to soldiers and their families. Hon. Dr. Jennifer Alanyo, on her part, expressed satisfaction that the initiative, which started as a mere idea, has become a reality. She emphasized that the new equipment would significantly boost dental health services for both the militants and their families.
The Director of Human Resource Management at SFC, Col. John Mango Baraza, who represented the SFC Commander, welcomed the MPs and acknowledged their continued support. He noted that the newly acquired dental unit, valued at 45 million Ugandan shillings, will enhance the hospital’s capacity to provide specialized treatment.
Capt. Dr. Isaac Tukesiga, the Director of Dr. Ronald Bata Memorial Hospital, expressed his gratitude to the MPs and the SFC leadership. He revealed that since the equipment was installed three months ago, the hospital has treated 736 patients, with civilian patients making up the majority. He also commended President Yoweri Museveni’s strategy of establishing such medical facilities, which have brought services closer to the forces.
The ceremony was attended by various hospital directors, senior officers, and general staff. Notable UPDF MPs in attendance included Gen. Edward Katumba, Gen. David Muhoozi, Lt. Gen. James Mugira, Lt. Gen. Peter Elwelu, and Maj. Gen. Henry Matsiko, among others.