The initiative includes a wide range of activities designed to strengthen ties between the military and civilians across the region.
In Nyanza District, residents have welcomed the free medical services being provided at the district hospital, noting the convenience of receiving treatment close to home and at no cost.
Uwibogoye Rusi, a patient treated at Nyanza District Hospital, shared her experience, explaining that she previously had to travel to Kabgayi Hospital for treatment, incurring costs for transport and medication.
"Now, I am happy to get treatment from medical specialists here in Nyanza. They are treating us for free, and the medicines are provided at no cost," she said.
Dr. Dufitumukiza Jerome, Director General of Nyanza District Hospital, emphasized the significance of the EAC Armed Forces' support.
'Previously, we had to refer patients to advanced hospitals because we could not treat certain conditions. Now, with the help of these specialists, we can treat patients locally, free of charge, and the medicines are also provided for free,' he said.
'These services are typically costly, but now they are offered for free. The initiative is also helping us reduce long waiting lists for surgeries and specialist appointments. Many surgical procedures are not normally available at district-level hospitals like ours. The patients we expect to treat in just five days would otherwise have had to wait up to five months. With the support of experts from across the region, we can now close that gap,' he added.
Dr. Dufitumukiza expressed gratitude to the RDF leadership for deploying the needed medical specialists and acknowledged the broader contribution of the RDF to Rwanda's liberation and continued commitment to rebuild the country.
Lt Col Dr. Justus K. Bwaley from Kenya Defence Forces noted that EAC CIMIC Week plays an essential role in fostering regional cooperation and professional exchange.
'Working alongside fellow doctors from EAC partner states allows us to build strong bonds, share medical expertise, and overcome clinical challenges together. Ultimately, our people benefit from this collaboration. We need more opportunities like this to further the EAC's mission of regional integration,' Dr. Bwaley said.
In addition to medical services in Nyanza and Ngoma, EAC Armed Forces personnel are also engaged in a variety of community development projects. These include the installation of solar panels, floor tiles, and clean water facilities for underserved communities.
This regional effort is being implemented in conjunction with the Defence and Security Citizen Outreach Programme 2025, which is taking place nationwide in celebration of kwibohora31 and the 25th anniversary of the Rwanda National Police's partnership with citizens.
The initiative is also designed to reinforce the bond between the EAC Armed Forces and the people, reflecting shared values of unity, integration, and mutual support among partner states.
IGIHE
