The Uganda Peoples Defence Forces has handed over two patient shades to Kamuli District General Hospital as a Christmas gift and to support attendants of patients, particularly mothers at the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) for premature babies.
The shades, constructed in just two weeks at a cost of 9 million shillings each—significantly lower than the government’s 22 million shillings estimate—are part of the UPDF’s Quick Impact Projects initiated by the Commander of the Defence Forces to bring services closer to communities.
Major General George Igumba, through Kamuli UPDF Cluster Commander Col Allan Kitanda, said the donation is aimed at improving health service delivery and encouraging the public to use qualified medical facilities, reducing reliance on unregulated providers.
“Let us not mix politics with development and get rid of ‘my cut’ culture which has eroded our humanity,” Kitanda warned, urging the public to also contribute individually to institutional services, such as donating equipment or supporting facility maintenance.
The UPDF highlighted other ongoing community projects, including constructions at Nawankofu, Nabirama, and Namwendwa Health Centers, boreholes for Balawoli Church of Uganda Primary School and Nabirama Trading/Health Center, and road improvements along the Kisege to Kololo Hill stretch in Namasagali Sub-county.
Uganda’s Ambassador to Germany and former Kamuli LCV, Stephen Mubiru, called on health service administrators to use innovation and advocacy to strengthen service delivery, including preventive care, and commended the UPDF for leveraging the peace and stability in the country to drive development.
Kamuli District Assistant DHO in charge of Maternal and Child Health, Moses Lyagoba, said the shades are particularly valuable for the NICU, reducing waiting times for mothers of premature babies and providing relief in highly restricted hospital areas.
He suggested additional support for nearby accommodation facilities to further aid mothers.
The initiative underscores the UPDF’s commitment to community development, improving healthcare access, and reinforcing collaboration between security forces, government institutions, and local communities.