The 103 Battalion of the Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF) in Lira has unveiled a newly remodelled Antiretroviral Therapy (ART) medical facility, courtesy of the University Research Co. LLC (URC).
This initiative, funded through the U.S. President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) and implemented by the U.S. Department of Defense, aims to enhance health infrastructure and improve HIV care.
Brig Gen Dr Patrick Ocen, Deputy Joint Staff-Health Services, expressed optimism that the new facility would attract patients seeking medical support. “We are now at war with epidemics – HIV, multiple drug-resistant diseases, and climate change. These facilities must be preserved for the public, and we expect staff to adhere strictly to ethical codes,” he cautioned, emphasising the need for productivity, ethical standards, and technological advancement.
Dr Denis Bwael, Program Director for the Department of Defence at URC, highlighted the clinic’s significance amid rising HIV rates. “Since 2016, cases have escalated from 200 to 850, mostly affecting civilians. This increase has motivated URC to support the Uganda Peoples’ Defence Force (UPDF) by upgrading facilities like the ART Clinic,” he noted.
Dr Bwael also mentioned that similar projects have been completed at Singo, Luwero, Rubongi, Bimbo Headquarters, and Lira, with further construction underway in Masaka and Byanga.
Col Sam Lugwira, the 5 Division Administrative Officer representing the Division Commander, confirmed that the facility is equipped with all necessary resources to support medical personnel in their work with patients.
