The Minister of Finance (General Duties), Henry Musasizi, has praised the Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF) for steering the country toward lasting peace and stability, noting that Uganda’s progress is the result of four decades of consistent leadership and a professional army.
Presiding over the launch of the Tarehe Sita Anniversary activities in Rubanda District on Wednesday, Minister Musasizi said the commemorations have evolved from the early days of territorial battles to today’s focus on national transformation achieved since the liberation struggle.
He recalled the insecurity of the 1970s, when roadblocks symbolised danger, fear, and the possible loss of life and property, unlike today, where UPDF checkpoints represent safety and order.
“Nowadays when we meet roadblocks, we know we are safe. But in the 70s, meeting a roadblock meant your life was nearing its end,” he said.
Musasizi commended President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni for guiding the UPDF into a disciplined, people-centred, and professional force that enables Ugandan’s to travel freely across the country, from Kisoro to Kampala and up to West Nile, without fear.
He also humorously referenced senior officers who may have witnessed early liberation activities in Rweru, noting that while the first celebrations were about capturing ground, today’s commemorations reflect unity, peace, and socio-economic progress.
He urged Ugandans to appreciate the stability the country enjoys and to safeguard the gains of the revolution.
Rubanda LC5 Chairperson Stephen Ampaire Kasyaba commended the UPDF for maintaining peace, especially along the country’s borders. He urged citizens to avoid venturing into unsafe areas and instead focus on protecting the gains of peace.
He also applauded the UPDF for initiating community-oriented programmes that support district development, contributing to the region’s social and economic growth.
UPDF Armoured Division Commander, Major General Deus Sande, reaffirmed the army’s readiness to protect peace and stability.
He highlighted ongoing projects including new classrooms at Burolero and Hamurwa Primary Schools, the extension of the maternity ward at Rubaare Health Centre III, and the construction of VIP latrines.
Rukiga District
While launching activities at Kakonkomo Primary School, Minister of State for Defence and Veteran Affairs, Hon. Huda Abason, encouraged residents to embrace socio-economic transformation and work together to defeat poverty.
“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 said.
She praised the UPDF for extending Tarehe Sita activities into communities and encouraged continued civil-military cooperation.
Deputy Chief of Defence Forces, Lt Gen Sam Okiding, underscored the significance of Tarehe Sita as the foundation of Uganda’s achievements, noting that the nation’s stability, including exporting peace to neighbouring countries, stems from the liberation struggle.
Kabale District
The Minister of Defence and Veteran Affairs, Hon. Jacob Marksons Oboth-Oboth, described the anniversary as a moment of reflection on Uganda’s journey from liberation struggles to building a modern, professional army.
“Each year, as we commemorate Tarehe Sita, we honour the spirit of sacrifice, discipline, and patriotism that laid the foundation of the peace and stability our country enjoys today,” he said.
He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to improving veteran welfare and thanked the people of Kabale and the wider Kigezi region for their historic support to the army.
He highlighted ongoing civil-military cooperation activities—medical outreaches, engineering works, environmental protection, and community empowerment—as evidence of the UPDF’s lasting partnership with civilians.
Rukungiri District
At Kakonkomo Primary School, Minister of Security, Rt Maj Gen Jim Muhwezi, praised the UPDF for its commitment to serving the people.
“The army is for the people, and the army works for you,” he said, urging communities to support the institution that has preserved peace and security.
He honoured liberation heroes including Joseph Bitwari, James Karambuzi, and Bishop Festo Kivengere.
The Minister also thanked President Museveni and the Chief of Defence Forces, Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba, for maintaining a professional force, and commended local leaders for collaborating with the UPDF to improve livelihoods.
Gen (Rtd) Kale Kayihura emphasized the strong relationship between the UPDF and civilians, calling it a cornerstone of national stability.
Brig Gen Justus Rukondo, representing the Joint Staff Political Commissar, highlighted the significance of the 1981 attack on Kabamba—the beginning of the liberation struggle—and outlined ongoing Tarehe Sita activities, including construction of a classroom block at Kakonkomo Primary School and a medical waste incinerator at Bugangari.
RDC Brown Kinkashemeza praised the peace enjoyed in Rukungiri, saying residents now sleep peacefully without fear.
Kanungu District
Presiding over the launch in Kihihi Grounds, Minister for ICT and National Guidance, Hon Dr Chris Baryomunsi, commended President Museveni for sustaining national peace and unity, noting that Uganda is now exporting peace to other parts of the world.
He urged the youth to engage in constructive politics and reminded Kigezi residents that their sacrifices during the liberation struggle were not in vain.
Brig Gen Tweheyo, representing the CDF, thanked civilians for their historic support and encouraged them to exploit the existing peace to improve their economic wellbeing. He cautioned youth, especially in border areas, against excessive drinking.
Lt Col Sam Ntungura emphasized that Tarehe Sita honours the efforts of NRA/UPDF founders in advancing a people-led revolution built on freedom, democracy, and socio-economic transformation.
He also highlighted the historic role of FRONASA and the wider Kigezi region in supporting early liberation activities.
This year’s celebrations are held under the theme: “Defending the Gains of the Revolution and Honouring the Sacrifices of Freedom Fighters: A Call for National Unity, Peace, and Socio-Economic Transformation.”
