Summary:
- Alupo commended the UPDF for its efficient use of funds, urging government ministries to follow suit.
KAMPALA: The Vice President of Uganda Maj. (Rtd) Jessica Alupo has officially launched activities for Army Week and the 44th Tarehe Sita Anniversary at the Ministry of Defence and Veteran Affairs headquarters in Mbuya.
Speaking on Sunday, January 26, 2025, Alupo reflected on the significance of February 6, 1981, calling it a pivotal moment in Uganda’s history.
“That day marked the beginning of Uganda’s liberation struggle under President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, culminating in the formation of the Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF),” she said.
Quoting philosopher Frantz Fanon, whose works influenced President Museveni’s university thesis, she noted:
“Each generation must, out of relative obscurity, discover its mission, fulfill it, or betray it.”
Alupo praised the UPDF’s unwavering commitment to national stability, highlighting its reputation as one of Uganda’s most trusted institutions.
“We owe a debt of gratitude to the men and women who risked their lives to launch the pro-people struggle for liberation,” she added.
This year’s Tarehe Sita celebrations will be hosted in the Greater Masaka sub-region, which played a critical role in the resistance against past regimes.
“The people of Masaka provided support to FRONASA, Kikosi Maalum, and the NRA during their struggle against the misrule of Idi Amin and Milton Obote,” Alupo noted.
She saluted the UPDF leadership and all military personnel for their patriotic service, emphasizing that:
“Today, the UPDF is a highly regarded military force across Africa, thanks to its peacekeeping missions rooted in Pan-Africanism and President Museveni’s commitment to African liberation.”
She also acknowledged the National Enterprise Corporation (NEC) and the UPDF Engineering Brigade for their contributions to business, infrastructure, and agriculture, citing projects like the renovation of Mandela National Stadium and improvements in the health and education sectors.
Despite limited resources, Alupo commended the UPDF for its efficient use of funds, urging government ministries to follow suit.
She also praised Operation Wealth Creation (OWC) for boosting agricultural productivity, particularly coffee farming in Greater Masaka, and Gen (Rtd) Salim Saleh for his leadership in the program.
Alupo thanked President Museveni for prioritizing the welfare of security forces and called on Parliament’s Committee on Defence and Internal Affairs to support efforts aimed at improving UPDF personnel’s living conditions.
She also extended special appreciation to First Lady Janet Museveni and their children, including Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba, for being a strong support system to the President in his leadership and sacrifices for Uganda and Africa.
“A supportive family is essential for any revolutionary’s success,” she said, lauding Mama Janet for her unwavering dedication since Tarehe Sita and even before.
Tributes from Defence Leadership
Minister of Defence and Veteran Affairs, Hon. Jacob Markson Oboth, commended the UPDF for rescuing Uganda from political stagnation and economic collapse.
“Before 1986, governance was based on cultural, religious, and tribal interests. Today, Uganda stands as a beacon of hope and stability,” he said.
He also highlighted the NRM’s commitment to women’s empowerment, noting that Uganda has had two female vice presidents and multiple female leaders in Parliament, the Cabinet, and the judiciary.
Deputy Chief of Defence Forces, Lt Gen Sam Okiding, emphasized the UPDF’s critical role in securing Uganda and the region, recalling how:
“The 41 NRA soldiers, led by President Museveni, shaped Uganda’s destiny through their sacrifice, bringing stability and economic growth.”
Comparing Uganda’s pre-1986 struggles to a patient in intensive care, he underscored the importance of patience, resilience, and intelligence in national recovery.
“We must educate our youth about the sacrifices made for Uganda’s stability. Peace and development were not achieved by chance,” he said.
On behalf of the UPDF, Lt Gen Okiding reaffirmed the army’s dedication to safeguarding Uganda’s peace and stability.
Maj Gen (Rtd) Phinehas Katirima, the keynote speaker, recounted Uganda’s past challenges, from the oppressive regimes of the 1960s and 1970s to the rise of multiple liberation movements.
He noted that since 1986, Uganda’s GDP has grown over 13 times, reaching USD 48.29 billion by 2023, attributing this success to President Museveni’s leadership and the NRM government.
Reflecting on past political instability, he cited:
The 1966 crisis under Milton Obote
The brutal rule of Idi Amin (1971-1979), during which an estimated 500,000 Ugandans were killed
The role of the Tanzanian army and liberation groups in toppling Amin in 1979.
The five-year guerrilla war by the NRA, leading to victory on January 26, 1986
He emphasized that since then, the UPDF has maintained peace, security, and stability, gaining national and international recognition for its discipline and professionalism.
Celebrating Pan-African Solidarity
Maj Gen Henry Masiko, the Joint Staff Political Commissar, highlighted the Tarehe Sita theme:
“Celebrating Pan-African Solidarity and the People’s Sacrifices in the Struggle for Freedom and Democracy for Socio-Economic Transformation.”
He acknowledged Tanzania’s critical role in Uganda’s liberation and Mzee Julius Nyerere’s unique contribution to the struggle.
As part of Defence Forces Week, UPDF formations and units nationwide and abroad will engage in community activities leading up to the grand celebrations on February 6 in Greater Masaka.
