Amuru | Prior to the 44th Tarehe Sita celebrations on February 6, the Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF) held a two-day medical camp that benefited at least 2,000 residents of Lajalula village, Lakang sub-county in Amuru district.
Mary Atto, a resident of Lajalula village, praised the UPDF for helping local communities and fostering relationships between soldiers and civilians in the sub-county.
Atto stated that health care facilities in Lakang sub-county are difficult to access. “For one to access, he or she moves over 40 kilometers to Amuru headquarters and Gulu at a cost of shs60,000-100,000. Some locals people cannot afford it.”
She also stated that many locals are frustrated at night when a child becomes ill. “Poor roads and shortage of transport means in Lajalula village need to be improved to reduce loss of lives.”
Atto has urged the UPDF to provide monthly assistance to residents of Lakang sub-county who cannot afford to travel to Gulu City for medical treatment.
Dr. Ruva John Bosco, a warrant officer class one at the 4th Infantry Division, explains that the medical camp provides a range of services, including general, mental, antenatal, dental, gynecology, malaria, intestinal worms, respiratory tract infection, and minor surgery.
He disclosed that they registered 1,200 patients on the first day and 800 on the second day. Common diseases such as body swelling, sexually transmitted infections, and dental problems were prevalent.
Ruva thanked all of Lakang’s local leaders for their full support as the medical camp began at Lajalula Primary School.
There were approximately 28 medical doctors available for service. 50 patients were referred to the 4th Division Hospital in Gulu for treatment due to serious illnesses.
450 people received dental care over the course of two days, 108 received antenatal care, 150 received gynecology care, four were screened for cervical cancer, and 50 had minor surgeries.
Dr. Alfred Okello, the Amuru district health officer, stated that the health department prioritizes improving health service delivery and addressing challenges.
Okello observes that many locals continue to practice open defecation in the bush, making it difficult to fight and susceptible to disease outbreaks in our community.
Maj. General Felix Busizoori, commander of the 4th Division Army, stated, “We chose to celebrate Tarehe Sita’s birthday with locals of Lajalula village, focusing on health as a priority in our social corporate responsibility to create unity among civilians.”
“They have identified a number of issues that the people of Amuru district are facing, including not only health centers but also roads and schools,” Busizoori continued.
These infrastructures, he said, are lacking in Amuru and require the attention of the relevant ministries.
The 2025 Tarehe Sita celebration was held in Greater Masaka with the theme “Celebrating Pan African solidarity and the people’s sacrifice in the struggle for freedom, democracy, and social economic transformation.”