The Minister of State for Water and Woman Member of Parliament for Kalungu District, Hon. Aisha Sekindi has commended the leadership of the Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces, particularly the Chief of Defence Forces, General Muhoozi Kainerugaba, for upholding President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni’s commitment to building a professional army.
She noted that the President had fulfilled his promise of delivering a fundamental change in Uganda.
Speaking during the handover of quick-impact projects undertaken by the UPDF as part of the 44th Tarehe Sita Anniversary celebrations in Kalungu District, Hon. Sekindi praised the army’s role in national development.
The projects handed over included the completion of a four-unit staff housing block at Lukaya Health Centre initially started by the Rotary Club of Lukaya and a four-stance pit latrine at the Kamuwunga landing site.
Hon. Sekindi thanked the UPDF for using Tarehe Sita to retrace its historical roots and for its sacrifice in fulfilling its constitutional mandate as a productive force.
She highlighted the role of the UPDF’s Engineers Brigade in Uganda’s development and urged the people of Kalungu to embrace government programs like the Parish Development Model and Emyooga for socio-economic transformation.
Speaking on behalf of the Chief of Defence Forces, Lt Gen Charles Lutaaya emphasised that Tarehe Sita is a time for the UPDF to give back to the people and strengthen its bond with civilians.
“We can’t exist without you. You are our strength,” he said.
Lt Gen Lutaaya also reflected on the historical significance of the Greater Masaka region, noting that from 1978-79, Masaka served as a critical route for members of the Front for National Salvation (FRONASA). He highlighted the Battle of Lukaya as a turning point in the struggle to capture Kampala.
With Uganda now at peace, he stressed that the country’s current battle is for socio-economic transformation through various government initiatives.
“Everyone must be engaged in an income-generating activity,” Lt Gen Lutaaya stated.
Col Justus Rukundo, the Tarehe Sita team leader in Kalungu District and Commandant of the Oliver Reginald Tambo Leadership School and Pan African Centre of Excellence (ORTLS-PACEX) in Kaweweta, reiterated that Tarehe Sita commemorates the birth of Uganda’s armed forces, from the Popular Resistance Army to the National Resistance Army and now the UPDF.
He described the army’s outreach efforts as a gesture of gratitude to the Ugandan people for their continued support, especially in the struggle for freedom and democracy.
He emphasised that the UPDF is a national force that serves all citizens, regardless of political affiliation.
As part of the Tarehe Sita activities, the UPDF conducted a medical outreach camp, treating over 1,500 residents and performing 100 surgeries.
Additionally, donations included delivery beds, mattresses, dustbins, reflector jackets, and 1,000 litres of fuel for road rehabilitation from the Kamuwunga landing site to the Lukaya highway.
Dr Margaret Ntambaazi Nabaggala, representing the Rotary Club, thanked the UPDF for its support in completing the housing project. She commended President Museveni for establishing the Engineers Brigade, which has demonstrated exceptional skill and commitment.
“This is a testament to the power of unity and selfless service when working together for a common good,” she said, calling for continued collaboration between the UPDF and Rotary.
The event was attended by the Joint Staff Finance, Col Robert Mugabe; Resident District Commissioner of Kalungu, Mr. Paddy Kayondo, along with district and religious leaders, among others.
