Former security minister and spy master Henry Tumukunde has backed Buwekula South Constituency Member of Parliament aspirant Dedan Mubangizi’s four-day free medical camp, praising it as a solution to the area’s healthcare challenges.
Tumukunde, a retired three-star military officer who was the guest of honour at the launch in Kiteenga Sub-county, commended Mubangizi for prioritising service delivery over political handouts.
"I am here to appreciate Dedan for this great initiative because such medical camps focus on people's lives. As you can see from the turnout, it shows that people genuinely need these services," Gen Tumukunde said.
He urged Ugandans to embrace a culture of problem-solving rather than waiting for government intervention.
Mubangizi, through his Dedan Foundation, organised the medical camp to provide healthcare services to residents facing inadequate health facilities.
He highlighted the absence of a legally mandated Health Centre III in Kiteenga Sub-county, forcing people to travel long distances for medical services.
"This sub-county does not have a Health Centre III, which means our people struggle to access medical care. As the Dedan Foundation, we find it important to provide such services," Mubangizi said.
He criticised leaders for failing to push for such necessities in Parliament and urged voters to elect leaders committed to real solutions.
Mubangizi is seeking to unseat William Museveni Ndooli from the Buwekula South seat in the 2026 general elections.
Ndooli, an independent, retained his seat after the Court of Appeal overturned a lower court decision to throw him out of Parliament in 2022.
"The duty of a leader is to represent the people. We expect them to present such issues in Parliament, but unfortunately, our people are still travelling long distances to access healthcare services," Mubangizi added.
Tumukunde also criticised voters who politicise development instead of supporting hardworking individuals.
"I wonder why some people criticise those who work hard, focusing on their origins rather than the impact they bring to the community," he said.
He encouraged Mubangizi to go beyond temporary initiatives and work towards establishing a permanent health facility.
"I want you to work hard for your people and establish a dispensary instead of relying solely on medical camps," Tumukunde said.
Mubende District Chairperson Michael Ntambi praised Mubangizi’s continued efforts, saying the initiative had benefited many.
Residents also called on the government to establish a permanent health facility, citing the high cost of accessing services elsewhere.
Residents of Kayebe Sub-county shared their struggles, explaining that they travel long distances to Kyenda Town Council for medical services, where they are charged Shs8,000.
"At times, we fail to raise that amount, but we are grateful to Mubangizi for this camp because it has helped us," one resident said.
They urged the government to establish a Health Centre III in their area.
"We request the government to consider our appeal for a health facility because we face many challenges in accessing medical care," the residents added.