The Prime Minister of Uganda, Rt. Hon. Robinah Nabbanja, has officially launched the 45th Tarehe Sita Anniversary activities in the Kigezi sub-region, urging Ugandan’s to uphold unity, patriotism, and the spirit of service that shaped the nation’s liberation journey.
Presiding over the ceremony at Saaza Grounds in Kisoro Municipality on Tuesday, Nabbanja described Tarehe Sita, commemorated annually on February 6th, as a powerful reminder of the sacrifices made by the heroes and heroines who ignited a new chapter in Uganda’s history.
“Tarehe Sita is not just a date on our calendar,” she said. “It reminds us of the resilience that built Uganda, the patriotism that restored stability, the unity that continues to secure our nation, and the strong partnership between the UPDF and the people.”
The 2026 celebrations will be held under the theme, “Defending the Gains of the Revolution and Honoring the Sacrifice of the Freedom Fighters: A Call for National Unity, Peace, and Socio-Economic Transformation.” The main celebration will be held at the former NTC Grounds in Kabale District.
The Prime Minister commended the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) for transforming from a small group of committed patriots into one of Africa’s most respected professional armies, disciplined and devoted to national well-being.
She highlighted their contributions beyond security, including school renovations, road works, environmental protection, disaster response, and humanitarian assistance.
“During floods, landslides, pandemics, and other emergencies, the UPDF has always been on the frontline with us,” Nabbanja said.
She called on citizens to uphold Pan-Africanism, patriotism, discipline, and socio-economic transformation, emphasizing the need to maintain peace, reject division, and support government initiatives such as the Parish Development Model.
“Working hand-in-hand with our security forces ensures stability, which is the foundation of meaningful development,” she added.
Highlighting Kisoro’s strategic location at the Uganda–Rwanda–DRC border, Nabbanja praised the region’s contribution to national security, regional cooperation, and socio-economic growth.
She also announced ongoing upgrades of key tourism and community access roads, including Kisoro–Rubuguri–Katojo, Rubuguri–Nteeko–Buhoma, and Kisoro–Mgahinga, as well as plans to expand Kisoro Airfield into a national airport to boost tourism and trade.
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The Minister of State for Defence and Veteran Affairs, Huda Abason Oleru, praised the people of Kigezi for their bravery and pivotal role in Uganda’s liberation, acknowledging the contributions of those who joined the Front for National Salvation (FRONASA) led by President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni.
She emphasized that this year’s Tarehe Sita theme highlights the importance of national unity, peace, and socio-economic transformation.
Deputy Chief of Defence Forces, Lt Gen Sam Okiding, representing the Chief of Defence Forces General Muhoozi Kainerugaba, urged Ugandans to safeguard the country’s peace, stability, and development.
He stressed that Uganda’s achievements are rooted in the sacrifices of its liberation heroes and highlighted the country’s role in promoting peace beyond its borders, including interventions in the Democratic Republic of Congo, South Sudan, and Somalia.
Lt Gen Okiding encouraged citizens to protect the nation’s progress through four pillars: exercising their vote responsibly, supporting the security forces, paying taxes diligently, and embracing patriotism.
He also called on leaders and communities to demonstrate Uganda’s development achievements to skeptics, referencing the Book of Matthew: guiding those “who have eyes but cannot see, and ears but cannot hear.”
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