The Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF) Tarehe Sita team, led by Major General (Hon.) Henry Masiko, met with the Bishop of Kabale Diocese, Rt. Rev. Callist Rubaramira, on Monday to discuss pressing issues affecting communities, including development gaps, civic responsibility, and the risks of election-related unrest.
The dialogue, held at the Kabale Diocesan headquarters, highlighted the role of faith-based institutions in promoting social cohesion, moral guidance, and local development.
Maj Gen Masiko noted that the UPDF recognizes the Church as a key partner in fostering unity and national consciousness.
“The UPDF values the Church’s ability to shape community behavior, promote patriotism, and support development initiatives,” Maj Gen Masiko said, citing the Bishop Annual Appeal Fund (BAAF) as a model for addressing persistent gaps in education, health, livelihoods, and social welfare at the parish level.
The discussion also touched on the upcoming general elections scheduled for 15 January 2026, with Maj Gen Masiko urging religious leaders to play a proactive role in preventing election-related violence and discouraging divisive language that could undermine national unity.
Bishop Rubaramira acknowledged these challenges, emphasizing that the Diocese’s focus is now on parish-level development projects aimed at promoting self-reliance and community empowerment, particularly through agricultural initiatives.
“We are deliberately taking development to the grassroots to ensure that no parish is left behind,” he said, highlighting concerns about unequal resource distribution and the need for local wealth creation.
Bishop Rubaramira also welcomed collaborations with the UPDF under the Tarehe Sita programme, noting that such partnerships can influence mindset change and strengthen civic responsibility among communities.
He expressed gratitude to President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni for supporting infrastructural projects within the Diocese, a reflection of ongoing government-community engagement.
Both the UPDF and the Diocese concluded the meeting by reaffirming their commitment to work together in promoting peace, social cohesion, and sustainable development, underscoring the role of faith and security institutions in addressing Uganda’s enduring challenges at the grassroots.
