The Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF) has officially handed over over 40 Quick Impact Projects to communities across six districts in the Kigezi sub-region as part of activities marking the 45th anniversary of Tarehe Sita.
Implemented under the theme, “Defending the gains of the revolution and honoring the sacrifices of the freedom fighters; a call for National Unity, Peace and Socio-Economic Transformation,” the projects span education, health, sanitation, transport, and other community infrastructure.
Across the sub-region, the UPDF commissioned classroom blocks, health facilities, bridges, market structures, sanitation facilities, and staff accommodation units.
In Kabale District, the projects included a two-classroom block at Kanyankwanzi Primary School, staff accommodation at Rwene Health Centre II, the Kahungye and Nyanja–Kambibi bridges, and two aqua privy toilets at Nyanja Primary School and Bugonji market.
In Rubanda District, the UPDF handed over a two-classroom block at Burorero Primary School, a five-stance improved pit latrine, and the Bubaale maternity ward. Kisoro District saw the construction of market stalls, classroom blocks, aqua privy toilets, chain-link fences, and medical service facilities.
In Rukiga, projects included four culvert bridges along Nyakarambi–Kangondo Road, a two-classroom block at Katungu Primary School, staff quarters at Kitanga Health Centre II, and a paediatric ward at Mparo Health Centre IV.
Kanungu District received classroom blocks at Kangarame Primary School, a five-stance aqua privy toilet at Kishenyi Primary School, the Kihanda–Kambuga bridge, and a footbridge at River Kiruruma in Kihuri.
In Rukungiri, two classroom blocks were constructed at Kakokoma and Kikarara primary schools, alongside housing units at Ibanda Health Centre II and Ngooma Primary School, an incinerator at Rukungiri Health Centre IV, and a five-stance water toilet at Rwakabengo Health Centre III.
The UPDF also handed over assorted equipment including delivery beds, hospital mattresses, life jackets, reflector jackets, and garbage containers.
Maj Gen Henry Masiko, Joint Staff Political Commissariat and coordinator of the Tarehe Sita activities, commended government ministers for presiding over commissioning ceremonies, describing their participation as a sign of strong civil-military cooperation.
The ministers included David Bahati (Kabale), Bright Rwamirama (Kisoro), Gen David Muhoozi (Rukiga), Gen Wilson Mbadi (Kanungu), and Maj Gen (Rtd) Jim Muhwezi (Rukungiri).
“The population are our strategic allies. The appreciation we witnessed across Kigezi affirms the strong bond between the army and the people,” Maj Gen Masiko said, noting that the projects symbolise commitment rather than abundance of resources.
He also reaffirmed the UPDF’s role in safeguarding Uganda’s democratic processes ahead of the elections, stressing that soldiers are under strict instructions to ensure free and peaceful voting.
In district-level remarks, ministers praised the UPDF for efficiency, cost-effectiveness, and for strengthening public infrastructure while honouring the legacy of liberation heroes.
They called on communities to maintain peace, value the historic partnership between civilians and the army, and participate responsibly in upcoming elections.
Overall, the projects implemented during the Tarehe Sita commemorations include nine classroom blocks, six housing units, one market structure, two recreational facilities, ten transport-related projects, seven sanitation facilities, four health infrastructure projects, one water facility, and one historical site.
