Daily Nation
Friday, February 03, 2012
“Health
is a priority in UPDF. All divisions have health units so we want the
ministry to elevate them to hospital status. Our health facilities
offer services to many wanainchi so they are public,” Gen. Aronda said.
The
army chief, who was officiating at the launch of Army Week at Fort
Portal Hospital, Kabarole District, on Tuesday joked that the UPDF have
a nightmare keeping peace in the war-ravaged Somalia and battling
Karimojong warriors.
“I have come here late because we are busy. Sorting out Somalia is a nightmare; even keeping your borders safe is big work and we are not yet done with the Karimojong,” he said, adding that Uganda is relatively stable, except for some areas in Karamoja.
“We shall be getting those guns slowly from them. You should not think we are relaxed; we are always working for your safety here and abroad,” he said.
This is the 31st Tarehe Sita (February 6th). The week is marked annually in remembrance of the first armed attack when Yoweri Museveni and his NRA launched a guerrilla war on February 6, 1981. Mr Museveni led the five-year armed struggle and captured power on January 26, 1986.
The week-long activities will climax with the Tarehe Sita celebrations on February 6 in Kasese. Gen. Aronda said Rwenzori was chosen to host the fete because of its contribution to the struggle, which was born in the region.
The director-general of health services, Dr Jane Ruth Aceng, commended the work done by UPDF on improving health of Ugandans, especially during outbreaks of epidemics such as Ebola in Bundibugyo, Bombo and Gulu, the Bududa landslides and the floods in eastern Uganda.
The activities of the week will include HIV-testing and counselling, free male circumcision, immunisation, fumigation of health centres, film shows on HIV/Aids and de-worming, among others.