President Museveni has urged leaders he will work with in the next term to prioritise issues affecting ordinary Ugandans, including corruption, theft of drugs in public health facilities, poor roads, and persistent gaps in service delivery.
He said these concerns were central to the public support that brought the National Resistance Movement (NRM) to power.
The President made the remarks during the 15th Annual Tarehe Sita Thanksgiving and Prayer Service held at the Ministry of Defence and Veteran Affairs headquarters in Mbuya.
The service was organised to thank God for guidance during the 1981–1986 liberation struggle and the decades that followed after the fighters went to the bush.
President Museveni arrived at the venue at 11:00am, accompanied by the First Lady and Minister of Education and Sports, Janet Museveni.
The event drew senior military officers, veterans of the liberation struggle, serving officers, their families, government officials, and religious leaders.
In his address, Museveni reflected on the early days of the armed struggle, particularly the February 6, 1981 attack on Kabamba Barracks. He noted that despite limited weapons and logistical resources, the fighters believed their cause was just.
He said several military and political victories were achieved through careful planning, discipline, and what he described as divine guidance.
According to the President, the success of the NRM was anchored in addressing the real problems facing citizens at the time, including insecurity, sectarianism, and state brutality that characterised previous regimes.
He cautioned leaders against identity-based politics, urging them instead to concentrate on improving the welfare and unity of the population.
Testimonies from veterans formed a central part of the thanksgiving service. Retired Lt Gen John Mugume, who participated in the Kabamba attack, recounted the hardships faced in the early stages of the war, including shortages of weapons, food, and logistical support.
He urged young people to study Uganda’s history to better understand the sacrifices made during the struggle.
“Our children should read our history and understand what we went through. From that history, they can pick lessons that lead them to success,” Mugume said, adding that resilience, unity, and commitment to a clear cause were key to the eventual victory.
Prayers were led by retired Archbishop of the Church of Uganda, Henry Luke Orombi, who thanked the military for what he described as sacrifices made to liberate and protect the country.
He called on the leadership to establish a national museum to document the liberation struggle and earlier periods of instability, arguing that many young Ugandans do not fully appreciate the peace they enjoy today because they did not experience past conflicts.
Responding to the proposal, Museveni welcomed the idea and acknowledged gaps in sensitising younger generations about the country’s history.
He revealed that land has already been secured in Migadde for the establishment of a liberation struggle museum aimed at preserving and sharing the history of the revolution.
The Minister of Defence and Veteran Affairs, Jacob Oboth-Oboth, described the thanksgiving as an opportunity to reflect and renew commitment to defending the gains of the revolution.
He emphasised the role faith played during some of the most difficult moments of the struggle.
On behalf of the Uganda People’s Defence Forces leadership, Lt Gen Sam Okiding pledged continued commitment to safeguarding national stability and supporting Uganda’s constitutional order.