The Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF), has launched activities to commemorate the 45th Tarehe Sita Anniversary, with events held across Kabale, Rukiga, and Rubanda districts.
The celebrations are being 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.”
Speaking at the launch in Kabale District, the Minister of Defence and Veteran Affairs, Jacob Marksons Oboth-Oboth, described the anniversary as a moment of national reflection, celebrating Uganda’s progress from its early liberation struggles to the establishment of a modern, professional, and people-centered army.
“Each year, as we commemorate Tarehe Sita, we do more than celebrate the birth of the UPDF. We honour the spirit of sacrifice, discipline, and patriotism that laid the foundation of the peace and stability our country enjoys today,” Oboth-Oboth said.
He further noted that the anniversary theme calls on all Ugandans to safeguard the hard-won gains of the revolution and deepen unity, peace, and collective responsibility.
The minister reaffirmed the government’s commitment to improving the welfare of veterans through streamlined payment systems, skills development initiatives, and reintegration programs.
Oboth-Oboth extended gratitude to the people of Kabale and the wider Kigezi region for their enduring support to the UPDF, acknowledging the area’s historic contribution to the liberation struggle, including the production of many FRONASA supporters.
He highlighted ongoing civil–military cooperation activities—such as medical camps, engineering works, environmental protection campaigns, and community empowerment programs—as evidence of the army’s continued partnership with citizens.
Representing the Chief of Defence Forces, Maj Gen James Kinalwa praised the freedom fighters who, under the leadership of President Museveni, waged the protracted struggle that restored peace and paved the way for national transformation.
He emphasised that rotating Tarehe Sita celebrations across different regions strengthens the connection between communities and the UPDF’s mission.
In Rukiga District, the Minister of State for Defence and Veteran Affairs, Huda Abason, encouraged residents to embrace high-value enterprises and work collectively to overcome poverty, which she described as a shared national challenge.
“You are hardworking people and should embrace enterprises of high value so we can overcome poverty. Do not fight each other but work together to achieve more,” she urged.
Abason commended the UPDF for extending Tarehe Sita activities to local communities, reinforcing the importance of civil-military cooperation in fostering development and strengthening ties between citizens and the defence forces.
The Deputy Chief of Defence Forces, Lt Gen Sam Okiding, reiterated the significance of Tarehe Sita as the foundation of Uganda’s stability and development.
He highlighted the country’s success in maintaining peace and exporting stability to neighbouring nations, attributing these achievements to the sacrifices made during the liberation struggle. Lt Gen Okiding called on Ugandans to uphold security, patriotism, and civic responsibility.
The Joint Staff Political Commissariat, Maj Gen James Kinalwa, underscored the symbolic role of Rukiga and the broader Kigezi region in the liberation efforts.
He encouraged citizens to preserve peace, especially as the country approaches electoral processes. Local leaders, including LC5 Chairperson Robert Mbabazi Kakwerere, expressed gratitude to the UPDF for recognising the region’s contributions and implementing development projects.
In Rubanda District, activities were launched by the Minister of State for Finance and Economic Planning, Henry Aliganyira Musasizi Bahati, who praised the UPDF for its exemplary discipline and contributions to service delivery.
He emphasised the importance of safeguarding socioeconomic gains achieved through collaborative efforts between government and communities.
The Armour Division Commander, Maj Gen Deus Sande, outlined various ongoing community projects, including the construction of classrooms at Burolero and Hamurwa Primary Schools, expansion of the maternity ward at Rubaare Health Centre III, and the installation of VIP latrines.
These initiatives, he said, reflect the UPDF’s enduring commitment to supporting local development through civil-military cooperation.
The launches in Kabale, Rukiga, and Rubanda districts were attended by senior UPDF officers, Generals, political leaders, religious figures, and enthusiastic community members.
The activities mark the beginning of a series of events leading up to the national celebration of Tarehe Sita, which commemorates the start of the National Resistance Army’s liberation struggle on 6th February 1981.