UPDF renovates Manjasi high school, Kiyeyi health centre facilities

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The Uganda People’s Defence Force (UPDF) has injected funds into the renovation of an information and communication block and donated stainless steel water tanks to Manjasi High School in Tororo district as part of efforts to improve learning and sanitation conditions.

Kiyeyi Health Centre III in West Budama Central Constituency also benefited from the construction of a chain-link fence and the renovation of twin staff houses to accommodate the health centre in-charge and the senior nursing officer, who had been renting dilapidated structures.

Presiding over the commissioning ceremony on January 7, 2026, the Minister of Defence and Veterans Affairs, Jacob Markson Oboth, said the initiative demonstrates that the UPDF is a pro-people institution committed to improving citizens’ livelihoods beyond its constitutional mandate of protecting and promoting peace.

‘’The rehabilitation of the twin staff house at Kiyeyi Health Centre III, Tororo district, was implemented by the UPDF in commemoration of the 45th anniversary of Tarehe Sita, defending the gains of the revolution and honouring the sacrifice of the freedom fighter, a call for fundamental unity, peace and social economic transformation.’’

Minister of Defence and Veterans Affairs, Jacob Markson Oboth, (third from left) hands over the stainless steel water tanks. (Photo by Faustine Odeke)

The minister said that as the government protects the country from both external and internal threats, residents should also safeguard the gains made by turning up in large numbers to vote for President Museveni and NRM flag bearers on January 15.

He explained that Manjasi High School was supported under the ministry’s Quick Impact Project, while renovations at Kiyeyi and Mulanda health centres were funded through resources allocated for his supervisory role, totalling sh200 million.

The head teacher of Manjasi High School, David Wanyama Sidialo, applauded the Commander of Defence Forces, Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba, for extending support to the school.

Sidialo said the donated facilities had improved the image of the institution and would enhance the teaching and learning environment.

He appealed for additional support to renovate the dilapidated A-Level classroom block, which has a leaking asbestos roof, estimated to cost about sh210 million.

Similarly, Bernard Omollo, the in-charge of Kiyeyi Health Centre, thanked the minister for supporting the facility, saying the intervention would improve service delivery.

Omollo also thanked the UPDF for sharing the Tarehe Sita cake, noting that the facility’s appearance had significantly improved, and urged staff to continue providing quality services.

He said the fencing completed in December 2024 had helped address challenges of trespass and vandalism that had previously affected the facility.