Tororo Leaders Laud UPDF for Dedicated Service Ahead of Tarehe Sita Celebrations

This year’s 44th Tarehe Sita Anniversary will be marked in the Greater Masaka region under the theme: "Celebrating Pan-African Solidarity and the People's Sacrifice in the Struggle for Freedom and Democracy for Socio-economic Transformation."

Leaders in Tororo District have commended the Uganda People's Defence Forces (UPDF) for their unwavering dedication to national service, highlighting the army’s critical role in maintaining security and supporting social services in the region.

Tororo District Chairperson John Okea acknowledged the UPDF’s significant contributions, particularly in law enforcement and healthcare, noting that the district heavily relies on the army due to the limited capacity of the police force.

"The police force we have is still small, so as a district, we often rely on the army, especially for operations," Okea stated.

"Furthermore, the army hospital in the barracks is the main health facility that the population depends on because of its excellent performance. Almost all the district population prefers going to the hospital due to the quality of services offered."

Okea made these remarks during a cleanup exercise organized by UPDF forces attached to Rubongi Barracks in collaboration with sister security agencies and local government leaders. Participants spent the day cleaning Tororo Municipality and Tororo Hospital in preparation for the Tarehe Sita celebrations set for February 6.

Tororo Hospital Administrator Proscovia Awino expressed gratitude for the army’s support, noting that the cleanup exercise had helped uncover service delivery gaps at the hospital.

"I want to appreciate the forces for this great help to the hospital. Before this cleanup exercise, we didn’t fully realize some of the challenges we have in waste management. Now that we do, we are committed to making improvements," Awino remarked.

Tororo District Police Commander Ann Ajio emphasized the strong collaboration between the Uganda Police Force and the UPDF, stressing the importance of unity in maintaining security.

"For our entire life as a police force, we work closely with the army. We appeal to the public to celebrate peace and harmony and to remain free from crime," Ajio stated.

Robert Aine, the Administration Officer at Rubongi Army Barracks, noted that the cleanup exercise was part of the UPDF’s efforts to show solidarity with those who fought for Uganda’s peace and freedom.

Tarehe Sita, observed annually on February 6, commemorates the day in 1981 when President Museveni led the National Resistance Army (NRA) in launching an armed struggle against oppressive regimes in Uganda.

This year’s 44th Tarehe Sita Anniversary will be marked in the Greater Masaka region under the theme: "Celebrating Pan-African Solidarity and the People's Sacrifice in the Struggle for Freedom and Democracy for Socio-economic Transformation."

The celebrations serve as a reminder of the sacrifices made for Uganda’s peace and security while fostering community service and national unity.