The Ministry of Defence and Veteran Affairs, in collaboration with the Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF), has launched activities to mark the 45th Tarehe Sita Anniversary across Kabale, Rukiga, and Rubanda districts. This year’s celebrations carry the theme: “Defending the Gains of the Revolution and Honouring the Sacrifices of the Freedom Fighters: A Call for National Unity, Peace and Socioeconomic Transformation.”
In Kabale District, the Minister of Defence and Veteran Affairs, Hon. Jacob Marksons Oboth-Oboth, described the anniversary as a moment for reflection on Uganda’s journey from early liberation struggles to the development of a modern, professional army.
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“Each year, as we commemorate Tarehe Sita, we do more than celebrate the birth of the UPDF. We honour the spirit of sacrifice, discipline, and patriotism that laid the foundation of the peace and stability our country enjoys today,” he said.
Hon. Oboth-Oboth emphasised that the theme reminds Ugandans to protect the progress secured by freedom fighters and called for unity, peace, and collective effort to sustain those gains.
“May Tarehe Sita continue to remind us of where we have come from and inspire us to build a more secure, prosperous and peaceful Uganda,” he said.
He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to improving veteran welfare through streamlined payments, skills development, and reintegration programs.
The minister thanked the people of Kabale and the wider Kigezi region for their long-standing support to the army, noting the area’s historic role in early revolutionary activities and the production of many FRONASA supporters.
He highlighted this year’s Tarehe Sita civil-military cooperation activities, such as medical outreaches, engineering works, environmental protection, and community empowerment programs, as evidence of the UPDF’s ongoing partnership with civilians.
Representing the Chief of Defence Forces, Maj Gen James Kinalwa praised the gallant Ugandans who, under President Museveni’s leadership, waged the protracted war that restored peace and opened the door to national transformation.
He said rotating Tarehe Sita celebrations across regions ensures that communities remain connected to the history and mission of the UPDF.
In Rukiga District, the Minister of State for Defence and Veteran Affairs, Hon. Huda Abason, encouraged residents to embrace socioeconomic transformation and work collectively to fight poverty, which she described as a common enemy.
“You are hardworking people and should embrace enterprises of high value so we can overcome poverty. Do not fight each other but work together to achieve more,” Hon. Abason said.
She praised the UPDF for extending Tarehe Sita beyond barracks into local communities and urged continued civil-military cooperation to strengthen ties with citizens.
The Deputy Chief of Defence Forces, Lt Gen Sam Okiding, underscored the significance of Tarehe Sita as the foundation of Uganda’s achievements. He noted that the country’s stability, including the export of peace to neighbouring nations, is rooted in the liberation struggle.
Lt Gen Okiding urged Ugandans to uphold security, patriotism, and civic responsibility to sustain national development.
Maj Gen Henry Masiko, Joint Staff Political Commissariat, highlighted Rukiga and the wider Kigezi region’s symbolic role in the liberation struggle and urged citizens to maintain peace ahead of elections.
Local leaders, including LC5 Chairperson Robert Mbabazi Kakwerere, expressed appreciation to the UPDF for recognising the region’s contributions and delivering development projects.
In Rubanda District, the celebrations were launched by the Minister of State for Finance and Economic Planning, Hon. Henry Aliganyira Musasizi Bahati. He thanked the UPDF for enhancing service delivery and praised its discipline, emphasising the importance of protecting the gains of socioeconomic transformation.
The Armour Division Commander, Maj Gen Deus Sande, highlighted projects underway, including new classrooms at Burolero and Hamurwa Primary Schools, the extension of the maternity ward at Rubaare Health Centre III, and the construction of VIP latrines.
The launches in the three districts were attended by Generals, senior UPDF officers, political and religious leaders, and local communities.
