Hundreds of residents from Bulambuli District flocked to Buginyanya NARO agricultural farm and Muyembe Health Centre IV to access free medical services delivered by the Uganda Peoples’ Defense Forces (UPDF) under the ongoing Field Training Exercise, codenamed OKOA MAISHA 26.
The exercise, which commenced on 12 April 2026 in Bulambuli, is being conducted under the theme: “Strengthening multi-sectoral resilience and local action on sustainable disaster response and management through integrated leadership and command.”
Brigadier General Ernest Nuwagaba, Commander Headquarters Uganda Rapid Deployment Capability (HQ URDC) and exercise controller, attributed the strong community turnout to deep public confidence in the national army.
“This large turnout reflects the trust the people have in the UPDF. The medical camp is part of our corporate social responsibility, a way of giving back to the community for the trust and support they continue to extend to us,” Brig Gen Nuwagaba said.
He noted that such civil-military engagements are vital for building cooperation between the armed forces and civilians, in line with the UPDF’s constitutional mandate to support civil authorities during emergencies and natural disasters.
Brig Gen Nuwagaba urged residents to take full advantage of the three-day medical outreach, which has brought together specialists to handle a broad spectrum of health needs.
Colonel Doctor Francis Bakahena, UPDF Director of Public Health and head of the medical team, explained that the camp at Buginyanya NARO farm is focusing on outpatient care, while surgical and other complex cases are being managed at Muyembe Health Centre IV.
“The team is handling a wide range of conditions, including minor surgeries, tuberculosis and cancer screening, eye and dental services, cervical and breast cancer screening for women, laboratory diagnostics, and general outpatient treatment,” Col Dr Bakahena said.
Edward Basenge, representing the Ministry of Health, described the medical camp as a critical public health intervention aimed at addressing pressing community health challenges.
He confirmed that the Ministry has reinforced the exercise with 26 emergency medical workers and deployed a blood donation team from the Uganda Blood Transfusion Services.
Naimu Martin, Deputy District Health Officer for Bulambuli, hailed the collaboration between the UPDF, Ministry of Health, and district health teams, calling the exercise a timely intervention for the community.
“Several people have been mobilized for this important activity at Buginyanya NARO camp and Muyembe Health Centre IV. The exercise is progressing smoothly, and we thank the UPDF and all partners for the work they are doing for the people of Bulambuli,” Naimu said.
OKOA MAISHA 26 has brought together the UPDF, Uganda Police Force, Uganda Prisons Service, Office of the Prime Minister, Uganda Red Cross Society, and other government agencies in a coordinated effort.
The exercise combines operational training to strengthen disaster response and community support while testing HQ URDC’s readiness to deploy at short notice. It is scheduled to conclude on 25 April 2026.
TEU EXPLAINER: Why Is the Army Running Medical Camps? Understanding UPDF’s Role Beyond the Gun.
Globally, modern militaries do more than combat. For the UPDF, nation-building, disaster response, and public health are core jobs — not side gigs. It is in the Constitution, and it is deliberate strategy.
The Breakdown: 6 Things UPDF Does Besides Combat.
Disaster Response & Humanitarian Aid.
When floods hit Bududa or COVID hit Kampala, who builds treatment centers in 2 weeks? UPDF Engineers. Article 209 of the Constitution mandates the army to “cooperate with civilian authority in emergencies.” OKOA MAISHA 26 is training for exactly that.
Why? No other institution has the trucks, doctors, and command chain to deploy nationwide in 24 hours.
Engineering & Infrastructure.
The UPDF Engineers Brigade built roads in Karamoja, bridges in Kasese, and parts of Kiira Motors plant. Its business arm, National Enterprise Corporation, constructs schools and hospitals.
Why? Opens up conflict zones, cuts costs, and the army can work where civilian contractors will not go.
Medical Outreach.
Free medical camps during Tarehe Sita and OKOA MAISHA are not PR. UPDF runs Level II hospitals in Somalia treating civilians and pioneered ARV rollout in Uganda.
Why? “Hearts and minds.” A sick population is an unstable population. Plus, disease does not stop at the barracks gate.
Environmental Protection.
UPDF troops train UWA rangers and run Operation Tokomeza against illegal fishing on Lake Victoria.
Why? Wildlife tourism is 7.7% of GDP. Environmental collapse fuels cattle raids and conflict in Karamoja.
Peacekeeping & Regional Security.
UPDF has been AMISOM/ATMIS’s backbone in Somalia since 2007 and led EACRF in DRC. It trains South Sudan, CAR, and Equatorial Guinea forces.
Why? Pan-Africanist policy, UN reimbursements that fund the force, and regional influence. Defense diplomacy is cheaper than war.
Agriculture & Food Security.
Operation Wealth Creation was run by Gen. Salim Saleh. UPDF farms in Kabamba feed troops. They partner with NARO — like using Buginyanya farm for OKOA MAISHA 26.
Why? President Museveni’s post-1986 doctrine: the army must be productive. Hunger causes instability.
The Big Picture.
The UPDF calls itself a “People’s Army.” That started in the bush war 1981-1986 when NRA survival depended on civilian support. Today, it’s policy.
Brig Gen Nuwagaba said Bulambuli’s turnout shows “trust in the national army.” That trust is currency. It brings intelligence, recruits, and stability.
For UPDF, the gun is 20% of the job. The other 80% is building the country it defends.
The Takeaway:
When you see soldiers in scrubs instead of camo, it’s not mission creep. It’s the mission. The same force that secures borders runs the blood bank at OKOA MAISHA because in Uganda’s doctrine, national security includes public health.
