The Rwanda Defence Force (RDF) provided free medical services to 2,874 residents in Tanzania as part of the 6th East African Community (EAC) Armed Forces Week, which concluded on September 1, 2026, at Lugalo Golf Course in Dar es Salaam.
A team of 20 RDF military doctors was deployed to Tumbi Regional Hospital, where they worked alongside medical personnel from the Tanzania People’s Defence Force (TPDF) and local health workers to provide healthcare services to residents.
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EAC Medical Outreach Reaches More Than 11,000 People
The broader EAC military medical outreach reached 11,439 people across Dar es Salaam, Dodoma, Zanzibar and the Coast Region.
In addition to medical services, the initiative involved various forms of community support and donations, highlighting cooperation between regional armed forces and the communities they serve.
RDF was represented at the closing ceremony by Maj Gen Alex Kagame, Commander of the Rwanda Reserve Force. The event also coincided with the 62nd anniversary of the Tanzania People’s Defence Force.
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Tanzania Defence Chief Calls for Stronger Regional Cooperation
Tanzania’s Chief of Defence Force, Gen Jacob John Mkunda, praised EAC member states for their participation and called for stronger cooperation between regional militaries and civilians.
He emphasized the importance of military-civilian cooperation in supporting shared development objectives across the region.
Residents Appreciate Free Medical Services
Residents who benefited from the medical outreach expressed appreciation for the services they received.
Among them was Germana Emmanuel from Kibaha District, who thanked the medical teams for the care they provided, noting that the doctors treated patients with respect and kindness.
Dr Amani Malima, a senior medical officer at Tumbi Regional Hospital, said the initiative contributed to changing public perceptions of soldiers by demonstrating that their responsibilities extend beyond maintaining security to include supporting the health and wellbeing of communities.
EAC Armed Forces Week Strengthens Military Civilian Relations
The EAC Armed Forces Week highlighted the importance of cooperation between regional militaries and civilians through medical outreach, community support and other activities.
The initiative demonstrated how cooperation among EAC armed forces can contribute not only to regional security but also to improving the welfare of communities across member states.
