Rwanda Defence Force hosts EAC Armed Forces Medical Outreach

28 June 2019

Rwanda Defence Force (RDF) along with contingents from Kenya, South Sudan, Tanzania and Uganda are conducting a one-week East African Community Armed Forces medical outreach in district hospitals of Bugesera, Kayonza, Nyagatare and Rwamagana in the Eastern Province.

Activities will culminate into the celebrations of the Liberation Day in Rwanda on 4 July 2019 in line with the decision of the EAC Sectorial Council on Cooperation in Defence held on 6 April 2019 in Tanzania.

Col Dr Jean Chrysostome Kagimbana, Commandant of Rwanda Military Hospital (RMH) say that this an opportunity of learning from each other and foster cooperation between regional armed forces. “Citizens get a chance have free medical care from different medical experts. Therefore, we call on everyone to come for treatment.”

In Rwamagana District where the Kenya Defence Force (KDF) medical contingent was deployed, Col Dr Justino Muinde noted that this is a rotational exercise as the last one was held in Uganda and they will keep it that way.

At Bugesera District Hospital, the Ugandan Contingent leader, Col Dr Joseph Asea lauded the event saying that it builds togetherness thus making EAC agenda’s achievable. “Since last year, the Civil Military Cooperation (CIMIC) activities were conducted in the spirit of the brotherhood. We are one, and have a common target. Generally, the turn up is good and it has been lauded by the patients and host country,” he said.

Since April this year, RDF launched the Citizen Outreach Programme 2019 (COP 2019) in which the Force carries out various activities geared towards socio-economic development of Rwanda and its citizens as per RDF mandate. During this three-month exercise, 137,900 patients are expected to benefit from healthcare services.