The Ministry of Defence and Veteran Affairs (MODVA), together with the Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF), has held a strategic meeting with Kigezi sub-region leaders and stakeholders at the Ministry Headquarters in Mbuya.
The engagement, held on Tuesday, was part of preparations for the 45th Tarehe Sita Anniversary celebrations, to be hosted in the Kigezi sub-region.
The 2026 commemoration will run under the theme, “Defending the gains of the revolution and honouring the sacrifice of the freedom fighters: A call to national unity, peace and socio-economic transformation.”
Speaking at the meeting, Minister of State for Defence and Veteran Affairs Huda Abason Oleru said hosting the celebrations in Kigezi pays tribute to the region’s deep contribution to Uganda’s liberation struggle.
“Kigezi played a critical role during the early stages of the struggle that led to the liberation of Uganda," Oleru said.
"The people here supported the revolutionaries even in the most difficult moments, and some paid the ultimate price with their blood. Hosting Tarehe Sita here is a tribute to that sacrifice."
She highlighted that several districts in Kigezi served as logistical and operational bases for the National Resistance Army during the early stages of the 1981 liberation war.
Among those recognised for their contributions were the late Joseph Bitwari, James Karamuzi, David Kagoro Tangiri, Bishop Festo Kivengere, Bishop Barnabas Harimanya, and others who offered moral and material support to the liberation cause.
Oleru emphasised that Tarehe Sita—celebrated every February 6 since 1981—remains a powerful reminder of the enduring bond between the UPDF and the people of Uganda.
The Kiswahili term Tarehe Sita, meaning “Sixth of February,” marks the day when the National Resistance Army (NRA), now UPDF, launched its armed struggle that ultimately liberated the country.
“This celebration reminds us that the strength of the UPDF is deeply linked to the support of Ugandans. Each year, we conduct civic activities and Quick Impact Projects as a gesture of appreciation. We want the people of Kigezi to support and take ownership of these projects because they are for their benefit,” she added.
Maj Gen Henry Masiko, the Joint Staff Political Commissar, urged Kigezi leaders to mobilise their communities to actively participate in the upcoming Army Week.
“We encourage our people to take advantage of the services that UPDF teams will provide in their districts. We shall be engaging communities nationwide to strengthen the harmony between the army and the population, as guided by our mandate,” Masiko said.
He revealed that Army Week activities will include mobile and static medical camps, special optical services, engineering works, and various community outreach initiatives designed to improve citizens’ welfare.
The meeting was attended by several dignitaries, including Minister of ICT and National Guidance Chris Baryomunsi, former Kabale University Chancellor Prof. Mondo Kagonyera, and former Inspector General of Police Gen (Rtd) Kale Kayihura.
Others are Chief of Joint Staff Lt Gen Jack Bakasumba, senior UPDF officers, religious leaders, and political representatives from the Kigezi sub-region.