The Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) of the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF), General Muhoozi Kainerugaba, has called upon all Ugandans—particularly those in the Kigezi sub-region—to join hands with the UPDF in commemorating the forthcoming 45th Tarehe Sita Anniversary and Defence Forces Week celebrations.
Delivering the CDF’s message at a media briefing held at the Uganda Media Centre on Thursday, the UPDF Joint Staff Political Commissar, Major General Henry Masiko, announced that this year’s Defence Forces Week activities will be conducted earlier than usual to avoid clashing with the upcoming national polling dates.
Gen Muhoozi, who also serves as the Senior Presidential Advisor on Special Operations, paid tribute to the people of Kigezi for their historic contribution to Uganda’s liberation struggle. He recalled the sub-region’s pivotal role in the early Front for National Salvation (FRONASA) operations, which laid the foundation for the National Resistance Army (NRA) and the present-day UPDF.
“The people of this region stood with the revolutionaries during the most difficult times of the 1970s and, to some extent, paid the ultimate price with their blood,” Gen Muhoozi said.
He recognised prominent figures from Kigezi who supported the struggle, including former Prime Ministers Ruhakana Rugunda and Amama Mbabazi, as well as deceased heroes such as Joseph Bitwari, James Karambuzi, David Kagoro Kangire, and Bishop Festo Kivengere.
Gen Muhoozi commended the people of Kigezi for their unwavering support and sacrifices, noting that their commitment laid the foundation for the peace and stability Uganda enjoys today.
In keeping with UPDF tradition, this year’s celebrations will reflect the spirit of unity and partnership between the army and the citizens it serves.
“On such occasions, we remember and appreciate the people’s support, which has enabled the NRA/UPDF to register success after success, culminating in the defeat of the dictatorships that once oppressed our people,” Gen Muhoozi noted.
The 45th Tarehe Sita and Defence Forces Week activities will take place across six districts of the Kigezi sub-region—Kabale, Kisoro, Rukungiri, Rukiga, Rubanda, and Kanungu. Planned engagements include light quick-impact construction projects, medical and surgical outreaches, donations of scholastic materials, Directorate of Women Affairs outreach programs, and political, ideological, and civil-military cooperation (CIMIC) initiatives.
Brigadier General Michael Kibuye, Director of Civil-Military Cooperation, said the week-long activities will document Kigezi’s historical experiences while fostering collaboration among government agencies, corporate bodies, the media, and local leaders.
Community-based programs will include clean-up campaigns, tree planting, sports competitions, cultural performances, and donations to schools—all aimed at strengthening ties between the UPDF and the public.
Colonel Dr Francis Xavier Bakehena, Head of Public Health in the UPDF, announced that free medical and surgical camps will be set up in two locations per district to provide essential health services to communities.
Meanwhile, Major Eng Albert Mukama, Brigade Operations and Training Officer in the Engineers Brigade, revealed that the UPDF will undertake major infrastructure projects across the six districts and three municipalities. These include nine classroom blocks, five housing units, six sanitation facilities, a maternity ward, bridges, market stalls, and road upgrades, all scheduled for completion by 6 January 2026.
This year’s 45th Tarehe Sita celebrations will be held under the theme: “Defending the Gains of the Revolution and Honouring the Sacrifices of the Freedom Fighters: A Call for National Unity, Peace and Socioeconomic Transformation.”
The UPDF reaffirmed its commitment to fostering peace, unity, and development through continued partnership with the people of Uganda.