President Museveni is expected to officially commission a monument honouring fighters of the Front for National Salvation (Fronasa) during this year’s Tarehe Sita celebrations in Kabale Municipality.
The monument recognises the role played by Fronsa members in Uganda’s armed struggle against the regime of former president Idi Amin.
Several fighters from the Kigezi sub-region were among the earliest recruits mobilised by Museveni in the early 1970s as part of efforts to overthrow Amin’s government.
Some of these fighters were executed by firing squad at Kabale Municipal Stadium on February 10, 1973, following an unsuccessful attack on Simba Barracks in Mbarara.
Those from the Kigezi sub-region who were killed include James Karambuzi, Joseph Bitwari, David Kagoro Kangire and Joseph Karambuzi.
The UPDF Chief Political Commissar, Major General Henry Masiko, said the commissioning of the monument in Kabale is intended to pay tribute to the fighters who made significant sacrifices during Uganda’s liberation struggle.
“I want to encourage residents of Kabale district to view the site as a potential tourist attraction. UPDF has a department responsible for tourism and heritage monuments and will work with the Ministry of Tourism to promote the site if adopted,” Matsiko said.
The Fronasa monument was constructed by the Uganda People’s Defence Forces as part of the 2026 Tarehe Sita commemorations, which mark the February 6, 1981 launch of the armed struggle that eventually brought the National Resistance Movement to power.
Tarehe Sita celebrations are held annually to honour the country’s liberation history and recognise individuals and groups who contributed to Uganda’s political and military transformation.
