The Ministry of Defence and Veteran Affairs, in collaboration with the Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF), has held a preparatory meeting with leaders and stakeholders from the Kigezi sub-region at the Ministry’s headquarters in Mbuya ahead of the 45th Tarehe Sita Anniversary celebrations.
This year’s commemoration will be held 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.
The Minister of State for Defence and Veteran Affairs, Hon. Huda Abason Oleru, said the decision to host the celebrations in Kigezi reflects the region’s vital role in Uganda’s liberation struggle.
Kigezi played a critical role during the early stages of the struggle that led to Uganda’s liberation. The people here supported the revolutionaries even in the most difficult moments. Some paid the ultimate price with their blood. Hosting Tarehe Sita here is a tribute to that sacrifice, Hon. Oleru said.
She noted that districts in the region served as key operational bases for early liberation activities, supported by notable figures such as the late Joseph Bitwari, the late James Karambuzi, the late David Kagoro Tangiri, the late Bishop Festo Kivengere, and the late Bishop Barnabas Harem’Imana, among others.
Hon. Oleru emphasized that Tarehe Sita, commemorated every February 6 since 1981, symbolizes the enduring bond between the UPDF and the people of Uganda.
This celebration reminds us that the strength of the UPDF is deeply rooted in 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.
The Joint Staff Political Commissar, Maj Gen Henry Masiko, called on local leaders to mobilize their communities for active participation in the upcoming activities.
We encourage our people to take advantage of the services that UPDF teams will provide in their districts. We shall continue engaging communities nationwide to strengthen the harmony between the army and the population, as guided by our mandate, Maj Gen Masiko said.
Planned activities for the Army Week include static and mobile medical camps, special optical services, and engineering works, among others.
The briefing was attended by the Minister of ICT and National Guidance, Hon. Dr. Chris Baryomunsi, Hon. Mondo Kagonyera, Gen (Rtd) Kale Kayihura, Chief of Joint Staff Lt Gen Jack Bakasumba, senior UPDF officers, religious leaders, and political representatives from the Kigezi sub-region.
