The Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) has unveiled plans for the 45th Tarehe Sita anniversary celebrations, with this year’s national events scheduled to take place in the Kigezi sub-region under the theme “Defending the Gains of the Revolution and Honouring the Sacrifices of the Freedom Fighters: A Call for National Unity, Peace, and Socio-Economic Transformation.”
Major General Henry Masiko, the Joint Staff – Political Commissariat, delivered the briefing on behalf of the Chief of Defence Forces and Special Presidential Advisor on Special Operations, who sent warm greetings to the media and the public, expressing his commitment to meet journalists at a later date.
Masiko noted that the 45th anniversary is a moment to reflect on Uganda’s revolutionary journey — from the early nationalist movements to the February 6, 1981 armed struggle that birthed the National Resistance Army (NRA), later transformed into the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF).
“Tarehe Sita marks the birth of a people’s national army — a bond between the UPDF and the people of Uganda that remains strong to this day,” he said.
The Kigezi sub-region was selected to host the 45th Tarehe Sita celebrations due to its historic contribution to Uganda’s liberation struggle. Masiko highlighted the significant role of districts such as Kabale, Kisoro, and Rukungiri during the early stages of the fight against dictatorship.
The region’s political stability, strong ideological commitment, and continued support for government programs also influenced its selection.
As part of the UPDF’s tradition, the Defense Forces Week will include community-centered activities aimed at strengthening the bond between the army and civilians. Planned initiatives include construction of community projects led by UPDF engineers, medical outreach programs offering free services to residents, donations to schools and youth groups, women-led outreach and civic education activities, and political and cultural sensitisation programs.
These activities will be conducted in the six districts and three municipalities of the region, namely Kabale, Kisoro, Rukungiri, Kanungu, Rubanda, and Rukiga.
The celebrations will kick off on November 18, 2025, with the official national launch at the Ministry of Defence and Veteran Affairs headquarters in Mbuya. From November 29, UPDF teams will deploy to the Kigezi sub-region to begin community projects and outreach activities. Regional and district-level launches are scheduled for December 2–3, 2025, with engagements running for two weeks across the sub-region.
A key ceremony to hand over completed projects to communities will take place on January 6, 2026, ahead of the main national celebration on February 6, 2026, at the National Teachers College grounds in Kabale Municipality.
Masiko assured the public that the UPDF remains committed to maintaining peace during Uganda’s upcoming electoral season.
“As mandated to protect and defend the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Uganda, we assure the country that this electoral period will be peaceful. Nobody will disturb the peace of our people,” he affirmed.
In his concluding remarks, Major General Masiko called on Ugandans to join in celebrating 45 years of the UPDF’s existence as a people’s force.
“The sacrifices of our freedom fighters have not been in vain. We invite all Ugandans to celebrate with the army as we renew our commitment to defend and protect our nation,” he said.