By Naboth Isaac Niwagaba
The Uganda People’s Defense Forces (UPDF) has partnered with its sister security agencies to clean roads and Muko Health Centre IV in Rubanda District as part of the activities to celebrate the 41st Tarehe Sita.
Tarehe Sita, is a Swahili name for the sixth day of February when the National Resistance Army, led by President Yoweri Museveni, attacked Kabamba barracks in Mubende District in 1981, which essentially launched the five-year guerrilla war that eventually brought NRM to power in 1986.
The army leads a week-long series of activities in which they engage in social corporate responsibility to enhance civil-military cooperation in preparation to mark Tarehe Sita every 6th of February.
Maj. Gen. Francis Takirwa, the 2nd Division Commander, explained at Muko Health Center IV in Muko Subcounty, Rubanda District, that all the UPDF Brigades under his command in South Western Uganda voted to have army week celebrated in Rubanda District.
Together with the Uganda Police Force and Uganda Prisons, the army carried out several activities, beginning with the cleaning of business streets in Rubanda Town Council. Led by the UPDF Brass Band, they matched from Rubanda District Headquarters to Muko Health Centre IV, as they cleaned the trading centers along the Kabale-Rubanda-Kisoro road.
At Muko HC.IV, Maj. Gen. Takirwa launched the re-invention of the theater, and he explained that the UPDF Engineering Brigade would repair the walls, floor, and paint the theater, all funded by the force, as one of their social cooperation responsibilities.
The Rubanda District LC.5 Chairperson, Ampeire Stephen Kasyaba, commended the work done by the army and highlighted the cordial relationship that has existed between his council and the UPDF since he assumed office last year.
The Rubanda District Health Officer, Dr. Abdon Birungyi, also thanked the UPDF for the work done at Muko Health Centre IV. He explained that the re-innovation of the theater walls and the floor would help to reduce the risk of infections, especially for pregnant mothers who go under cesarian section during delivery.
Muko Health Centre IV serves as the referral point for all lower health facilities in Rubanda West and is one of the District’s only two health facilities, the other being Hamurwa Health Centre IV in Rubanda East.
Every month, at least 100 mothers give birth at the facility.Out of these, at least 30 mothers give birth by cesarian section, according to the officials.
